You have to stop being so weird around people.
My 'weirdness' is just my operating system, and you're asking me to rewrite my code in real time.
What it made you think
I am inherently unacceptable and need to change to be worthy of connection.
The True Story
You are not too much. You are not wrong. Your 'weirdness' is a gift, and you deserve to be celebrated for it.
What is happening in your system?
The immediate instinct is to mask and try to conform, driven by a deep-seated fear of rejection and a desire to belong. This leads to internal conflict and a sense of inauthenticity.
What changes in you...
It makes you avoid social situations, constantly monitor your behavior, and suppress your authentic self to avoid further criticism and rejection.
How can I navigate this in the moment?
A few ways to respond when this lands. Take whichever feels right, or none at all.
The Low-Battery Out
"I'm processing. I'll need to think about that later."
The Honest Explanation
"My 'weirdness' is how my brain works. I can't just turn it off, but I can try to understand what's bothering you."
Drawing the Line
"I appreciate your concern, but I'm not going to change who I am to fit someone else's expectations. If this is too much for you, that's okay."
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