One of the things I like about this forum is that we are allowed to get things off our chest (usually) without (too many) repercussions. So here goes:
I can't stand the term "special interest." It sounds so condescending, like we are barely capable of functioning as humans — as if our existence is to be merely tolerated:
"Oh, don't mind Billy Bob. His special interest is shiny things. I just wish he didn't get so worked up about them. He just goes on and on, especially when he attaches one to a string and spins it. I'm really at my wit's end about the whole thing."
I much prefer using the term "passion." It makes it seem that we have attained a level of profundity that is to be admired by others:
"Wow, Billy Bob! You are really into shiny things! How did that become your passion? And I love how that one you've attached to a string makes those cool reflections on the wall when you spin it. It's like a disco ball!"
I know I shouldn't get worked up about it, but I do sometimes. Maybe I just drank too much Pibb Xtra today. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. (And don't even get me started about the term "Aspergian." Blegh.)
I can't stand the term "special interest." It sounds so condescending, like we are barely capable of functioning as humans — as if our existence is to be merely tolerated:
"Oh, don't mind Billy Bob. His special interest is shiny things. I just wish he didn't get so worked up about them. He just goes on and on, especially when he attaches one to a string and spins it. I'm really at my wit's end about the whole thing."
I much prefer using the term "passion." It makes it seem that we have attained a level of profundity that is to be admired by others:
"Wow, Billy Bob! You are really into shiny things! How did that become your passion? And I love how that one you've attached to a string makes those cool reflections on the wall when you spin it. It's like a disco ball!"
I know I shouldn't get worked up about it, but I do sometimes. Maybe I just drank too much Pibb Xtra today. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent. (And don't even get me started about the term "Aspergian." Blegh.)