Tips for breaking out of your shell

[142857]

Does anyone have any tips for breaking out of your Aspie "shell".

I think the biggest thing that we need to do is to spend plenty of time around "ordinary" people. Seeing how they interact, interacting with them, and so on. I found that living in a big house with a bunch of people for a few years when I was in my mid 20s really helped. Travelling for work, taking on more responsibility and having to deal with people every day has also helped.

For me, getting involved in the sort of activities that NT types find helpful for meeting friends just tended to make me feel even more different.

 

[clackedions]

It really does help. Im still in my early 20's but its been this period that I've really felt a satisfaction in learning to socialise, almost to the point where you feel quite socially normal. Of course there's always lingering doubt and self analysis (feeling different) in any social situation but I've found you pick up social tricks from others you hang around with or people you admire and almost mimick their social characteristics. Funnily enough, I actually see certain peoples characteristics go in and out of favour in my mind so one day I behave like my hero (=p) devin townsend and other days I'm just me, quiet and deadpan. It shouldn't be the case, but the times I feel like I can really roll socially is when I am slightly mimicking others, alas this doesn't have much longevity.

Whereas I did start to feel like I was becoming more normal (actually feeling really ecstatic in the process), its learning about aspergers that has caused a slight regression into my old awkward self =p. Strangely I'm happy with that, its almost a release.

 

[clackedions]

But tips, I dunno when I'm happiest is when I've satisfied myself musically, as in writing something that I'm really contented with. That boosts my confidence to no end and I suppose finding someone who shares you're interest, or you can show off yours to grants you a lot of positive attention. That is however a talent based tip

 

[Sipe]

One good way to break out from your shell is socializing with others yes. I have one another little trick to that. I simply visualize me being social, popular and pleasant guy everyone gets along with. I kinda "practice" in my mind how to be the kind of person I want to be. I have been talking with people more now days and I can now easily for example look at a cashier`s eyes, smile and say "Good day." and "Thanks. Have a good day.".

So my tip is this; Visualize, practice and go where other people are.

 

[Calvert]

One good way to break out from your shell is socializing with others yes. I have one another little trick to that. I simply visualize me being social, popular and pleasant guy everyone gets along with. I kinda "practice" in my mind how to be the kind of person I want to be. I have been talking with people more now days and I can now easily for example look at a cashier`s eyes, smile and say "Good day." and "Thanks. Have a good day.".

So my tip is this; Visualize, practice and go where other people are.

That sounds like good advice. I sometimes imagine myself in social situations too.


I did manage to break out of my Aspie Shell a week or two back but this last week things have really went downhill again in every direction. Hopefully it picks up soon as the negative thoughts are starting.