Smiling

Written for https://pensitivity101.wordpress.com/2024/01/22/share-your-world-22nd-january/

1.  Do you find yourself smiling at people for no apparent reason? I sometimes smile out of nervousness. I hate giving eye contact when I am in the street a because I wouldn’t want anybody to randomly go up and talk to me.
2.  If someone smiles at you, do you return it? It depends on the person. If it is a person I vaguely recognise, then I will. If it is a stranger, there is always be the same question. Why are you doing this? Why are you grinning at me?
3.  Do you feel comfortable on a crowded street? No; part of that is being on the autistic spectrum. I have never formally be diagnosed, but my son and husband both have these traits. It was through training, where I work, I realized numerous things I have lived with have a reason. Especially being a girl, because we mask our uncomfortable vibes. Both myself and my daughter went to a craft fair a few months ago. It was compact, with a crowd of strangers, and I felt myself shrinking into the background. Even through her love of buying, we were quickly out of there.
4.  Would you prefer a walk in the woods, a walk on the beach, or a walk round a town seeing the sights? I would be too frightened being in the woods alone. The beach is my favourite because I could search for a relaxing spot to sit. The sounds of the ocean are calming, and I have brilliant memories of being there with my family.

My gratitude is being different. This must seem strange to you, but we are all unique, and humans would be boring if we were all the same.