Cutting people off because I’m overwhelmed and need to be away from them - autism

[u/Fudgesickle90]

I’m autistic and I feel so guilty because so many people see the “silent treatment” as a narcissistic punishment.
im not trying to punish this person , I’m just so overwhelmed and tired and cant face engaging with them

they were getting too much constantly asking what I am doing and wanting to see me and I haven’t been well recently. It’s gotten to a point where I just feel Really sick thinking about speaking to them.

I know if I try to “face to face” talk to them about things I will fawn and act like nothing is wrong as a coping mechanism.
im just curious to see who else might have this ?

[u/Phoenix-Echo]

You taking time to yourself/ setting boundaries and the "silent treatment" are two different things. The silent treatment is abusive because it is punishing someone for conflict while also not trying to resolve the conflict. It sounds like you are taking a time out. Why don't you text them that the way they interact with you is overwhelming and you need time to yourself?

[u/teddybearangelbaby]

they're not compatible with your nervous system. set boundaries, remove yourself from the equation. no, you're not punishing them by taking space for yourself, but are you being totally honest with them/yourself about how they make you feel and/or what you want from this relationship? you sound burnt out and you might not even have the capacity to figure that out in this moment.

[u/S3lad0n]

Am the same way. I just can't deal with constant interrogation, criticism, or even just plain comments and engagement on the level of constant chatter. It's an energy suck. And some people take it personally even if you hint tactfully or state that to them politely and plainly.

[u/BookishHobbit]

I’ve been here and, as guilty as you might feel, it’s important you prioritise your own health first.

You have to follow your gut sometimes, even when it’s leading you down the hard path.

[u/AptCasaNova]

People I am close to and value know I can disappear for weeks and am bad at keeping up the give and take of reaching out.

When I’m burned out, my brain has an extremely hard time with social stuff and will just avoid it so I can survive going to work and doing the minimum to function.

[u/Madden_Brain]

Boundaries matter. This is hard thing to explain, especially to close one’s, but it’s important. I would suggest talking to people who are constantly texting/calling you, that if you say no - it’s okay, you can say no dozen times, but will be happy to see them again, just not so soon.

I do think I have best friendship with another guy on the same level of autism - we just texting each other where we will be next weekend, or evening, and joining each other only if we have enough resource for this.

[u/Alone-Parking1643]

do they ever talk about anything interesting, or is normal chit chat? I cant do that at all.