For most of my life, I had no respect for myself. Sometimes I wanted to push the boundaries of what I knew was right. I desired this to feel satisfied, wanted, or accepted by others. I led myself to believe that being more open and vulnerable would make people like me. I learned that everyone wants to know everything about you. Sometimes it is better to live life how you want. Do not think you have to make yourself vulnerable to belong. Things sometimes work out better that way.

Believe it or not, autistic people want to connect and belong to people. Sometimes they are not educated on the right approach about doing it. Sometimes it involves being overbearing. It also involves oversharing out of desperation just for someone to like us. This happens without allowing us to see us for who we genuinely are. We as autistic people can sometimes push through the social norms and expectations. We seek to fill the void without realizing the damage it can cause. This makes things more unpleasant and worse for us. This happens when we already feel awkward and out of place.

I had to learn that the right people will connect to me because they will see me for me. I don’t have to open myself too far. I don’t need to do things that make me feel precarious or strange. Believing this will gain me one more friend is a mistake. I shouldn’t find my satisfaction by getting deeply involved in someone just for their liking. This only causes them to feel awkward and me to be more hurt than I was initially.

There is so much more to life than what we put out there. We don’t have to do things that cause us to be ridiculed. We don’t have to make others scared to find the connection that we want. Autistic people can be lonely and desperate for connection. Nevertheless, the world is a scary place. There are far too many people who often do not have the same intent we have. There is the potential to be hurt, victimized, or bullied. Many other things can make our already challenging life more difficult. These situations have the potential to bring unwanted consequences or be traumatic and detrimental to our well-being.

It is often said that less is more. Autistic people long to belong and be accepted by someone. Nonetheless, we must balance this wish with the dangers and vulnerability of the world. We do not always have the skills to understand others’ true intentions. There is no need to put yourself out there for someone with a potential that you do not want. Things come in the right way when you are your best self. Hold on to your self-respect and set limits, boundaries, and expectations that are comfortable for you. This way, you can be respected by those who will honor you for you.