Just one quick bitch, part two

[Pyraxis]

Pyraxis, do they know you're autistic at your work?

No. I've tried to keep it that way. I really don't want to have that conversation and I don't have any official paperwork to back it up with. I tend to be a really private person who keeps my home life as separate as possible from my work life. I couldn't get around telling them about my partner's illness and that was bad enough. Had to tell them because of health insurance stuff.

WolFish has tried to convince me to tell them I have prosopagnosia without bringing anything else into it, but I haven't been able to wrap my head around how to do that yet.

[Queen Victoria]

Pyraxis, do they know you're autistic at your work?

No. I've tried to keep it that way. I really don't want to have that conversation and I don't have any official paperwork to back it up with. I tend to be a really private person who keeps my home life as separate as possible from my work life. I couldn't get around telling them about my partner's illness and that was bad enough. Had to tell them because of health insurance stuff.

WolFish has tried to convince me to tell them I have prosopagnosia without bringing anything else into it, but I haven't been able to wrap my head around how to do that yet.

If it affects your work performance then it is a part of your work life.  It needs to be brought up to the company.  You are doing yourself a great disservice by not disclosing this.  JMHO.

[Jack]

WolFish has tried to convince me to tell them I have prosopagnosia without bringing anything else into it, but I haven't been able to wrap my head around how to do that yet.

Thinking it's a bad idea and telling them that isn't going to excuse or help the fact that people find you unapproachable. Stop being so unapproachable at work; it's the only thing that's going to help. It's not a simple as it sounds, I get that. It takes a concentrated effort. It's important to people to have their existence acknowledged; not sure why but it simply is. They're taking up space nearby and must be noticed. Knowing their face or name isn't important with when passing in the halls and elevators. Look at them, smile, say hello or good morning, compliment a piece their clothing, or say some banal crap about the weather. Whatever. Most people need this and no one's personal problems will ever change that. Can't even pee at work without the obligation to say hello to someone most of the time, and that's just a fact of life. Telling people about face blindness isn't going to change the problem or make them care, and face blindness doesn't have anything to do with not acknowledging someone's presence in the room.

[Icequeen]

I can't remember names, never could. Usually with faces or just people in general I notice one or two quirks that makes me recognize them in a grocery store. I pick up on stupid tics, the way people talk, walk, etc.

...but I hardly ever remember names.

But most of the time I can just say...hi...blah, blah, blah...and pull it off. Then two hours later I might remember the name that went with the face. I worked with the public for so many years I can just put on the mask even when I'm totally clueless.

Think about...if you were their boss how would you greet them?

Maybe just try to say hi, smile, like Jack said, avoid the ones you can, try to quickly acknowledge them when you have to...pretend they work for you...and if one of them takes it as an invitation and tries to follow you to your car at the end of the day...just beat them senseless in the parking lot.

Just make sure they can still talk, so that they spread the word and you'll never have to do it again.

[Pyraxis]

WolFish has tried to convince me to tell them I have prosopagnosia without bringing anything else into it, but I haven't been able to wrap my head around how to do that yet.

Thinking it's a bad idea and telling them that isn't going to excuse or help the fact that people find you unapproachable. Stop being so unapproachable at work; it's the only thing that's going to help. It's not a simple as it sounds, I get that. It takes a concentrated effort. It's important to people to have their existence acknowledged; not sure why but it simply is. They're taking up space nearby and must be noticed. Knowing their face or name isn't important with when passing in the halls and elevators. Look at them, smile, say hello or good morning, compliment a piece their clothing, or say some banal crap about the weather. Whatever. Most people need this and no one's personal problems will ever change that. Can't even pee at work without the obligation to say hello to someone most of the time, and that's just a fact of life. Telling people about face blindness isn't going to change the problem or make them care, and face blindness doesn't have anything to do with not acknowledging someone's presence in the room.

This seems realistic and fits with my understanding of human nature and workplace social interaction.

My current manager, who is probably the most awesome one I've ever had, but sadly I will be switching managers soon - he understands well that I'm introverted and tries to cover for me/advocate for me. For example he's repeated my opinions when they weren't being heard in a group, he showed up to initiate things when I had to "run" a meeting, and he acknowledged that people can't just change their personality at will. He said it's contradictory, because people will say I'm friendly and happy to help out with problems, but the same people will say that I'm hard to approach. Basically I need to work on seeking people out more, stopping by their desks to see how they're doing.

Blah. This is no longer a quick bitch.

[odeon]

Blah. This is no longer a quick bitch.

Not a quick bitch at least.

['andersom']

There's a chronic bitch thread somewhere. 

['andersom']

Mosquito had a go at me, at the inside of my wrist. Usually I hardly feel the bite, nor does it make a big spot. This time it is growing big.

[Jack]

Basically I need to work on seeking people out more, stopping by their desks to see how they're doing.

Personally don't take it that far, but do make an effort to acknowledge everyone.

[Phoenix]

Monkeygirl just got diagnosed with strep throat. I find this out after she's been sharing drinks with me for 2 days. 

[odeon]

Monkeygirl just got diagnosed with strep throat. I find this out after she's been sharing drinks with me for 2 days. 

Oops.

[Phoenix]

Monkeygirl just got diagnosed with strep throat. I find this out after she's been sharing drinks with me for 2 days. 

Oops.

Oh no! You could be at risk too. We shared water. 

[Queen Victoria]

Need to hunt down the document that will bring me some $.  It's either in the house or the car.

[Parts]

Vet bills for the evil cat that I hate the most. 

[odeon]

Dishwasher broke down.