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The original was posted on /r/twoxchromosomes by /u/RadioStaticRae on 2023-09-06 15:37:09.

My normal meter is definitely busted, I will acknowledge that. A childhood of being hushed all the time combined with being neurodivergent have had a lasted impact on socialization for me in general.

With all that said, I just don’t want talk to random people at bus stops, on public transit, in a cafe, etc. I wear headphones specifically for this reason. I’m listening to a podcast, watching a video, listening to music, etc., and usually these times are the only “decompression” moments I can have in public. I’ve been called a bitch (and worse) for just not acknowledging people outside a smile and a nod when they try to make casual conversation.

Honestly, is this something I need to change? Am I missing some silent, social rule that requires me to expend social energy for complete strangers? In high school, I was completely ignored and I had grown to accept, and even appreciate it. Now, I’ve lost 50+ lbs and kind of want to go back to being “in the shadows”, which I already have very conflicting feelings about (fat folks shouldn’t be ignored/forcefully segregated from community and society, and beauty standards are bullshit)