Hurray, at Mums & Tots today I had loverly chat with the Register Lady as usual - we always have a gab before I go mingling with the toddlers. I can't remember how, brain like swiss cheese, but she pointed out that I always stopped to talk to her when others didn't bother, and asked quite gently, "Why is that do you think?" So I said, "Because you're very open, friendly and easy to talk to" and she said, "Well, so are you" and additional nice things.
Felt really happy all the time I was there today
She is so nice, she always makes me feel a little less incompetent socially. I have had to learn fundamental stuff rather later in life. We seemed to be social hermits too, Mitochondria - we never had parties, people to stay over, rarely went out - we weren't allowed to go out in the evenings at all, although there was a youth club around the corner. We couldn't even go to friends' houses (after school or evenings). Phone calls were strictly monitored for length.
I think one end result is that I didn't absorb a lot of social graces - not saying they weren't there, but I seem to have missed them. Although my mum does treat me in a take-you-or-leave-you kind of way that makes me feel rubbish, but I don't think she realises she's doing it.
Just refreshed the page and seen TreeTrunk's post - I think there is a connection, although I too have a very sociable brother. My mum does have one good friend she has had since they met in their maternity ward in the mid-60s, but she is not what you might call gregarious. This is what I fear - that my lack of friends and social ability may have a negative impact on DS