Menopausal woman here. Have a good group of friends. On the face of it, successful in work.
however, I’ve never really felt like I’ve fitted in…I’ve struggled to connect with people in the way others do.
for example, in situations like courses or team building events, I see that people often connect with each other in a way that I don’t.
I’m a sociable person and get on with lots of people on a one to one basis. I’m not shy, but I find I struggle to know how to interact in group situations.
I’ve always been like this. I always feel like I just don’t get it.
I’ve had a few instances where people have looked at me strangely because of something I’ve said or how I’ve reacted, but I have zero idea why they react in that way. I’ve had two or three instances ( over 20 years so not frequent) where I seem to have actively repelled someone. Like they’ve actively tried to avoid me. I’ve had no idea why. I find it weird because I’ve almost never had that reaction to someone unless they are completely bonkers or unpleasant. The fact I’m well liked by colleagues makes it weirder as I’d say I was easy going and sociable. ( and that has been consistent feedback from line managers throughout my career)
I’ve had a couple of people ask me what I think have been quite loaded questions, like they’ve been trying to work me out. Recently, a coach asked me if I was introverted ( like she was trying to work out what was ‘off’ about me.)
I almost certainly have ADHD, but now wondering whether autism is also an issue for me? Have an autistic child. One autistic parent and other parent possible ND, so it’s in the family.
AIBU to jump to autism ? Or is this just what normal people feel like all the time?