Headphones or earplugs can feel like part of the leaving-the-house kit. Discovering they are missing means facing traffic, shops and sudden noise without the layer of protection you had counted on.
- turning back home because the noise-cancelling headphones are still charging
- putting in earplugs before entering a busy supermarket
- keeping a spare pair in every frequently used bag
- checking for headphones before agreeing to a crowded event
Looks vs reality
The same Experience can look very different from the outside than it feels on the inside.
Looks like: "I'm ignoring you."
Feels like: "I'm trying to stay calm enough to function."
Looks like: Antisocial or unapproachable.
Feels like: Conserving social energy so I don't burn out.
Looks like: Just enjoying some music.
Feels like: Creating a pocket of silence to survive the noise.
Looks like: Putting up a wall.
Feels like: Throwing out a life raft.
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