[Ursy]

Originally Posted by cybersuebee

I agree with you Urs. There seems to be some sort of continuum there. I scored 23. People who don't know me don't see me as sensitive because I've developed so many ways to cope with it. But anybody who's ever spent much time with me, or - heaven forbid - gone to a shopping mall with me .....well, there ain't much doubt. I think I spend so much more time home now because I can still have contact with people over the internet without pushing any of my buttons, and withdraw if I need to. Maybe hermits have just been misunderstood individuals all this time. Hmmmm?

Yep, I'm one of those people who get told (when I mention being Asperger's) - "gee, well I'd never have picked it up if you hadn't mentioned it" - which is good in a way - I can fit in as I wish. But it's also bad because they can never understand how draining it actually is to to maintain a "socially acceptable persona" which is basically what I have to do, very consciously and deliberately, and damn - it's hard work when it doesn't come to you naturally!