[krisakira]

Title says it all. I got a 36 on the quiz here on PC, where 34 and up means "autism likely." I think most of it is because I lack social skills and can't make out people's intentions. For instance, I have no way of knowing whether or not my husband is joking or not. He jokes a lot and I always think he is serious. Then sometimes I think he is joking but he isn't. I know these traits I get from my dad, because he is the same way - He takes things very literally and as a matter of fact. It makes me awkward socially and I don't have any friends at college, and I have a couple who are long distance and that is it. I want to be better socially, but I don't know how to. I can't keep up with chit chat and never know what to say. I'm not saying I am convinced I have an ASD but I would like to know what I can do to be better socially. My dad believes he has Asperger's, but he has never been professionally diagnosed. Any suggestions?

[manwithnofriends]

How much better socially do you need to be? Would you want to be able to buy things from a restaurant or order a takeaway by phone? You can be like me and not need any friends. Focus more on your career (or graduating, if you're still in college).

[krisakira]

I really want friends. I need them. I feel so alone without friends.

[manwithnofriends]

You should treat your husband as a "best friend", right? He's there for you so you should be there for him.

[krisakira]

Yes he is my best friend. But I want other friends to hang out with.

Does your husband have friends? I usually meet more friends through the friends I already have. And then find more friends through them and on and on.

There's also a community group in my area where all the oddballs hang out. I fit right in. I don't know if there's anything like that in your area, but it might also be where you live. I grew up in Kansas—they've always seemed more close-minded that even people in say, Nebraska. Of course, moving is sort of the extreme option…but it did work for me.