Thread by @NeuroRebel

Growing up, I struggled in my relationships with other kids my age.

When I did hang out with other kids, they were often older or younger than me, additionally, my relationships were often very superficial, because, even when I wanted to, I didn’t understand how to get close to others or let people in.

For many years, as a preteen and a teenager, my best friends were our family cat and my dog, Ripley.
When I struggled to bond with others around me (even my family and caregivers) animals always were as kind to me as I was to them - like a mirror reflection back on me.

Animals were always honest and true, which is more than I can say for humans.

My experience with other kids was that they often picked on me, ostracized me, or manipulated me, especially when I was younger.

This left deep emotional wounds in me, that still “bleed” from time to time. My trust was damaged long ago - trust for others, trust for myself.

Even as an adult, I struggle with starting relationships with new people. I don’t know if people are being nice for the sake of niceness is if they really like me.

My experiences growing up have tainted my ability to trust as openly as I once could, when I was younger, before I was hurt.

Even now, even unfamiliar animals and new species I meet are easier for me to read than humans I don’t know VERY well.

I am also eager to meet every animal, but extremely anxious about socializing with new people.

#ActuallyAutistic #AskingAutistics & #NeuroDivergent People anyone relate?

#Autistic #NeuroDiversity #Animals #Dogs #Life #Autism #Friends #Anxiety #MentalHealth #SocialAnxiety