An Autistic's Experience With Casual Dating
Start writing a post
Entertainment

An Autistic's Experience With Casual Dating

More than just friends?

24
An Autistic's Experience With Casual Dating
Alexander Ivanoff

"You know we're just friends, right?"

The girl who I have been seeing for the last two weeks said that to me on a Monday night, at the beginning of October, while we were making out in the parking lot of a Dunkin' Donuts. She had been single for a few weeks and was also causally seeing another guy who lives closer by. The two of them go to the bar. I've been out of a relationship for almost two months at this point and was only seeing her.

I spilled the beans on being on the spectrum. Luckily for me, it didn't bother her at all. But it bothered me that she didn't get that I understand that there's nothing really serious between us. We hung out over Columbus Day weekend and it was awkward enough that I don't think I'll be hanging out with her again.

I acknowledged completely that we were just friends. At that point, I wasn't completely sure if I wanted to be in a long term relationship with her or just as friends-with-benefits. But I did have some feelings for her. Who wouldn't have feelings for someone you kissed, even if it was mostly raw chemistry? There had to have been something there and chemistry alone wasn't the answer. Looking back, it was probably just chemistry.

In future posts, I'll discuss the dynamics of dating on the autism spectrum. In the last two years I've gone from struggling at it to being pretty much a pro. One of the major components to that success is approaching it from a different attitude.

My question here is this: Can some autistic individuals handle the complexities of a casual relationship? Depending on the individual, very much so!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

41078
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

115856
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments