>>99802I just leave it at "oh I'm disabled" then immediately ask an unrelated question about their interests bc people don't know how to talk to cripples/people with brain cooties. I don't think they're freaked out by it most the time, it's just incredibly awkward for them bc they think they stepped into a social minefield. Just stay cheerful, friendly but kinda impersonal, not trying to make friends but passing the time with a conversation. When somebody's really interesting and you want to get to know them, you still have to hold back bc we already have a strike against us.
I take a deep breath from my nose (as discretely as I can) whenever I feel like I need to "reset" and dismantle my anxiety. You have to really visualize it, just picture yourself as you're having a conversation, like depersonalize a bit.
You can do it, my friend. Many of us are weird and can't work, that isn't the only thing about us, only the most awkward part.
