This is something I’m only just recently coming to understand has been a lifelong source of interpersonal problems for me, and omfg it seems so fucking omnipresent.
Why does everyone get so mad when I ask why/how about something?!
I learned a few years ago that sometimes people feel judged by my questions (???), and so I’ve tried to super, ultra sugarcoat them. I’ve tried even harder since getting medicated for ADHD, because I have the mental space now to preface my carefully stated questions with assurances that I am only trying to understand, not indict.
It doesn’t feel like it’s getting me anywhere, and I’m starting to wonder if it’s an unreasonable expectation? Is it silly to think that questioning motives or reasoning could ever be non-offensive? It doesn’t bother me to explain my motives or reasoning - fuck, it’s a fucking relief, please oh fuck let me explain - but I know I’m NotLikeOtherGirls™
This happens most when the person I’m asking has no good answer - it’s like my asking “but why?” makes them realize there was no reasoning at all, which wasn’t the smartest course, and then feel guilty about not thinking it through.
That is never what I expect to happen - I don’t ask why if I think there’s no reason. If I’m asking, it’s not because I think you’re stupid, it’s because I think I’m stupid for not catching on. I respect you and your judgement, so if you’re doing something that seems confusing to me, I assume there’s a good reason that I just don’t understand yet, and I really really want to understand!
I’m just hoping to get clued in. I genuinely keep thinking there is some reason for whatever confusing behavior or action. I am just asking so I can get on the same page.
The very act of asking is unfortunately not giving me any answers; it seems to be antagonizing instead. “I don’t have a good reason and fuck you for making me admit it!” ???!?
Anybody relate?
What do?
Relatabale. I often end up phrasing questions like i’m trying to negotiate peace between world powers. It’s frustrating af. I don’t care about your ego i need you to explain how the machine works again bc my brain is fucked!
Oh god or asking somebody to slow down or repeat something because they assume you can hear them in a busy room.
then they repeat only the last few words which you already heard
And then having to explain that I heard the last few words, it’s the first few words I didn’t get
It’s awful! I’m glad most of my friends are adhd and/or autistic because they understand and will repeat or restated what they said in a way that is helpful to me. I can just say “can you repeat that? I was distracted/had an adhd moment” and they understand and they help me and it’s so nice compared to dealing with “normal” people.
100%. Not trying to make anyone feel bad, I just feel like I’ve yet again missed something, and I just want to know what it is.