Does anyone feel like they’re missing social cues that neurotypical people understand without being taught? I’m missing out on career opportunities because of it. Does any type of guide/rulebook exist to effectively mask?
That’s an interesting question.
Most guides I’ve seen focus on helping us learn our masks and how to not use them.
The part I find the most difficult is when NT say not the ‘truth/fact because it is ‘understood’ to be something ‘no one’ talks about directly. Indirect context is very difficult.
That being said - one of my masks is being overly gregarious and because I don’t filter the above - people tend to think I like going ‘deep’ in relationships ‘fast’.
Step 1: Read How to make friends and influence people. Step 2: Cry, bc half the book is “listen and pay attention”
This is the one I’ve found most helpful, especially the last chapter:
http://www.afieldguidetoearthlings.com
I don’t know if it helped me mask better, but it made neurotypical behavior seem less confusing and more predictable.
The book “What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don’t?” may be what you’re looking for.
