Hey that's some good practical advice. Its not overwhelming like I was trying to do at first. Everything at once. This way I focus on one thing at a time and it starts with listening properly. I often either drift off or think of what to respond when people are talking and I'm gonna work on being more attentive. As for nodding, eye contact and an interested facial expression, that scares me. I have blunted affect and it all comes across so forced which seems fake to others. Either I nod continuously which looks ridiculous so then i stop and I have no expression and I'm asked what's wrong. Same thing with an interested facial expression, It doesn't come naturally even though Im interested in what is being said I don't know what to do with my face. I feel like a fraud sometimes. So much energy goes into what or what not to do and that's a lot of stress.

I do a lot of research into the psychology of disorders and I understand why I am the way I am or do the things I do but that understanding does nothing to make communication easier. If anything, when im talking with someone im thinking can they tell how messed up my expressions and body language is? So it kinda made it worse because it added another layer of discomfort. I think your homework for me will definitely help and I'm gonna put effort into this because I'm tired of being so awkward all the time.

Are you willing to give me advice for each step and let me know which steps to take and in what order? I'm a mess in all those areas you mentioned. I have a feeling there's more but that you went easy on me.