269 No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures

No Room for In-Between: Literal Thinking and Communication Ruptures

In this raw and honest episode, Patricia (she/her) shares her ongoing challenges with neurodivergent miscommunication, community rupture, and the emotional toll of being misunderstood. From neighborhood conflicts to horse training lessons, from cancel culture to navigating friendships and travel as an autistic person, Patricia opens up about the messy, contradictory realities of life, belonging, and growth. Listeners will walk away feeling less alone in their struggles with relationships, self-advocacy, and embracing both discomfort and joy.

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

· Why Patricia didn't want to record this episode—and why she did anyway

· The ongoing story of neighborhood rupture and the painful dynamics of miscommunication

· How neurodivergent communication differences play into misunderstanding and conflict

· The discomfort of being misunderstood as an autistic person who values precision and exactness

· The struggle of wanting repair but receiving ongoing hurtful communication instead

· Recognizing when "these are not our people" and finding peace in letting go

· Cancel culture: when it's useful, when it's harmful, and Patricia's lived perspective

· How language change matters—and conversations with her husband about accountability in speech

· The empowerment that comes from horse training and facing fear with big draft horses

· Lessons from working with animals: calm presence, assertiveness, and learning new leadership skills

· Navigating differences in friendships around money, dining, and travel

· The autistic push-pull between craving sameness and being invited into novelty

· Strategies for managing overwhelm when faced with too many choices or new experiences

· How safe friendships allow for authenticity and unmasking

· The sadness and privilege of having barriers to change, novelty, and travel—and finding supportive companions

· Building resilience through small trial runs and intentional fun

· The importance of bumping up against resistance to live a fuller, lighter life

· Patricia's reflections on aging, matching tattoos with her kids, and wanting to add more joy

SOUND BITES

· There are times when we need to speak up, and there are times when we need to let people misunderstand us and sit with the discomfort."

· "If you're autistic, precision and exactness are high values—being misunderstood can feel unbearable."

· "This isn't personal. This is about neurodivergent miscommunication. And that gave me relief—at least for a little while."

· "I'm more than two-thirds through my life, and I want to whip it up a little bit. If you're going to do some fun stuff, you better do it soon."