I agree, it's very hard for me to talk to some "normal" people, maybe especially some I've "known" for years... They have their expectations, my bear doesn't like being muzzled often I end up being silent as I object to being judged, again, for anxiety etc by people who don't understand

I said to one family member long ago, I was feeling anxious (I don't remember the exact words but what I said was very short and non "whiny")

Their reply was "what have YOU got to be anxious about"

You know, that tone of voice