Yes and no. I don’t “read the room” in a way I can rationally understand why I don’t like a place or a group’s “vibes”.
But I feel physically ill in some places, around some people. Like I get a low-level anxiety attack and feel nauseous and weird.
this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2026
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Autism
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I can but I don't know how to respond to a lot of it and that's what makes it stressful.
"you can't be autistic, you're so emotionally intelligent!"
Cousin with a spectrum said to me he quits a place as soon as he detects bigotry by the way how other people respond to him.
It really depends on the other person. Some people are just more intentional about showing their hostility than others. When I'm around people who are really well practiced in being kind to weirdos, I can believe they actually like me even though they hate me.
Wisdom is my dump stat, so no. I just get overwhelmed in the trying.
It is a learnable skill, not easy, but doable with a healthy dash of hyperfixation. Expressions, micro-expressions, posture, tone etc. You can even end up better at it than a normie. Doesn't make it fun though.
I read this the other way. I can immediately read the room when I walk in, that's why I don't want to go anywhere.
It's just extra exhausting.
I'm sure there are bomb squad technicians who are happy on the job, but even they would hasten to agree it is work.
If you see me running, try to keep up...
I generally can't.... Which I why I avoid doing places