My turning another year older and still have nothing to show for my life, no friends or career. I'm undiagnosed autistic with mental health issues and I'm very alone and unsupported
It felt awkward in that I wasn't sure how much was "overloading" onto the other person. I wanted to get the job done but not put them out
maybe make matching faster? though you don't control that I guess
I often felt rushed in my response (and picking the category). If I didn't respond, would the other become impatient?
Can I pick the categories after the whole conversation is done?
Hello there.
assistant
Others
Hello
user
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Is there something you want to discuss?
assistant
Question
yes My birthday's coming up and I feel a lot of self-hatred for what I've failed to accomplish by this age.
user
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So it sounds like the birthday is a time for self-reflection, and you're not happy with where you are right now?
assistant
Restatement or Paraphrasing
yea that's right. It's weighing heavy on my mind at the moment
user
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Is this something you've felt on previous birthdays?
assistant
Question
yes, the older I get the worse the feeling is. I didn't used to hate birthdays when I was younger
user
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I'll confess I have felt the same way, especially with "milestone" birthdays (30, 40, 50, etc.). Do you think you are possibly expect too much in terms of achievements?
assistant
Self-disclosure,Question
Yes, those are hard. My 30th was difficult. Society has so many wrong ideas of where people need to be, and it just doesn't apply to me. I'm so different from normal people. maybe, but being autistic, even average achievements are hard for me. I have to work so hard just to be average May I ask, how did you deal with your own birthday depression? Maybe I can learn from you
user
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As I became older, i started to wonder what terms like "normal people" and being "average" really mean. Am I comparing myself to something that even exists?
assistant
Self-disclosure,Self-disclosure
That's what I've been thinking about too. It probably doesn't exist, but society would have us believe otherwise
user
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That's so true. It's tough to deal with. But I will same, as I became older, I just stopped caring as much about what other's think. It just happened.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance,Self-disclosure
Yep, it sure is. I figure people stop caring that much when they get older
user
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Also, I'm sure there are some things in life you are good at, even if those aren't what society seems to value.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
I've already stopped caring what people younger than me think. They just seem so young to me yea, it's just hard when I struggle so much with employment. My issues really keep me from succeeding in jobs Sure, there are things I can do; but they don't seem to help me with anything important in life, if you know what I mean
user
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Yeah, I hear you. Are you talking to others - such as professionals, etc. - about your autism?
assistant
Question
I was forced into therapy as a young person. I think it put me off seeking professional help because I hated the experience. But I talk to other autistic people in support groups online Also, I'm sorry to cut this off but I need to go soon. I want to tell you you're quite compassionate and kind
user
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Being "forced" to do anything is usually a turn off. But it's good to hear there are groups online to help.
assistant
Affirmation and Reassurance
I've enjoyed talking to you Yes indeed It's not a great experience unless you choose it
user
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Oh, thanks. It's always nice to have a real conversation with someone.
assistant
Others
For sure. May I ask if you're planning to become a counselor? I didn't know if this simulation is for people to get training for that type of wokr
user
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I haven't planned on it, but I am looking for a career change. But no, this wasn't training for me. Not sure what this simulation is all about :)
assistant
Self-disclosure,Others
Oh cool. I think this is a pretty interesting platform haha me too, but it seemed interesting
user
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Yep. Oh well, hope this was worth while for you.
assistant
Others
I came here the other day and never got matched with anyone so I left. Thanks, it was. And you seem really cool I guess we can wrap up since it's over 15 mins and they said we can stop after 15 i think
user
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Thanks. Be sure to do something enjoyable on your birthday.
assistant
Providing Suggestions
Thank you:) Hope you enjoy your day/night
user
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OK. Do I just hit "Quit"? I forget.
assistant
Others
I think we both have the finish button. So we can click any time. I'll exit now. See you:)
user
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