I’m now waiting tables, and I do a pretty good job of engaging people in witty banter and shit, despite the fact I’m an awkward mess in many social situations.

Why is that? Because I’ve been masking my neurodivergence for so long that I just treat it as a performance. I have an answer ready for most things, I can fake friendliness no problem. I put up a facade and go be charming for a few hours. It’s exhausting at the end of the day, but it’s the only way I know how.