Autism

I’ve had similar experiences about childhood stories. My parents were… Uhh… Not great. There have been several instances where I have told what I thought was a funny story, only to have friends/coworkers/etc end up looking horrified instead.

Them: “Ugh I hate having to tell my parents no. My mom keeps nagging me to do [something benign] and I really don’t want to. I know it’s going to be a big argument. It’s just bad for my mental health.”

Me: “Oh yeah, I know how you feel. My dad would always try to pick me up from elementary school while drunk. I’d have to tell him I was walking home instead of getting into the truck with him. It always turned into a big argument, where he’d follow along beside me yelling out his window while I was walking on the sidewalk. But I knew that eventually he’d get frustrated and drive off by the time I was at the end of the block, and he’d always be passed out by the time I made it home anyways. She’s just testing your boundaries and you should stick to your guns. Don’t let her pressure you into doing something you’re not comfortable with, cuz we’re full adults now. Don’t let her treat you like a kid just because she’s older than you. Ya know?”

Them, visibly concerned: “I-… Uhh… Do you still talk to your dad?”

Me: “Not really. We just see each other at holidays. He lives a few hours away, so it’s not like I’m going to hang out with him regularly. Why?”

Them: “Oh, no reason…”