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Hey fellows

I certainly have gotten better. The first occurred at around 26 when I was motivated to end my social isolation, date, and connect for a relationship. It worked when I took an interest in myself and others. Finally I found acceptance in my future spouse and I just did not think much of my past for 40 years. Recently as I face the demands of ageing I would get triggered. I have a very good counselor used to working with autistics and she guided me through Cognitive Processing Therapy, and I have rarely felt better. The past two years have been rough with 7 surgeries from the right vertebral artery in my brain, to my prostate, to open heart surgery for a bypass, and a carotid to brachial bypass. Getting old ain't for sissies.

I´m glad to hear that! Longlivability research does exist, though.
Of course, though, it´s important to find someone who is familiar with autistic traits and behavior patterns, that for somebody unfamiliar with it go entirely unnoticed. Taking interests actively is the core of satisfaction in life on many things. On being self-assured for example. Having an intrinsic motivation is an important valuable to have, too.
 
Taking interests actively is the core of satisfaction in life on many things. On being self-assured for example. Having an intrinsic motivation is an important valuable to have, too.
You are so right! I failed to grow emotionally and socially until I developed confidence in myself and was self assured. It started with success in research and then I invested time and effort learning skills: Whitewater open canoe (up to Class IV) and SCUBA (night and overhead environment diving, aka wrecks and caves). Plus I got involved with accepting groups. I enjoyed my confidence in my abilities and recognized that I was a worthwhile and interesting person. This let me be vulnerable to judgement and I soon started asking women out. This was a huge emotional break from my miserable past.
 
You are so right! I failed to grow emotionally and socially until I developed confidence in myself and was self assured. It started with success in research and then I invested time and effort learning skills: Whitewater open canoe (up to Class IV) and SCUBA (night and overhead environment diving, aka wrecks and caves). Plus I got involved with accepting groups. I enjoyed my confidence in my abilities and recognized that I was a worthwhile and interesting person. This let me be vulnerable to judgement and I soon started asking women out. This was a huge emotional break from my miserable past.

Communities that accept you as a person who´s equally valuable are worth to pursue at all times. In my opinion - even if at one moment it looks bad eventually, it´ll always get better again. One needs to have in mind that you are the one in control of your view of the world, essentially.
 
welcome to af.webp
 

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