Masha du Toit

Autistic thoughts when seeing a good friend unexpectedly in public:

OMG that’s Friend, yay!

They’ve spotted me, can’t hide. Initiate greeting.

OK, greeting is complete, now what do I say?

Was that a strange thing to say?

How long should this conversation last?

OK that was an odd thing to say, they’re looking confused.

Would it look rude if I say “Bye” and walk off now?

How should I end this conversation?

Do they still want to talk or are they trying to end this conversation?

Should I start talking about that thing, or will it take too long?

Maybe I should start end-of-conversation-sequence or is it too early for that?

OK looks like it’s wrapping up.

I think

Yes! Conversation is ending. Initiate end-of-conversation-phrases and timing.

Conversation successfully ended. Walk away.

Why did I say that thing?
Did they think that I was being odd?
Why did I say that thing?
Why did I say that thing?