Good article about the concept of friendship for autistic people from @aspieretro

Interesting article discussing friendship and the concept of "best friend" from someone with Aspergers:

http://www.mindretrofit.com/2013/12/29/i-dont-have-a-bestie/

"Several of them shared the similar patterns requesting my time and attention when needed, but they had other friends who fulfilled their other needs – the more fun, entertaining, types of things. I am goof ball and I did share in a lot of fun and silliness, but for them it was not the same. I get serious too quickly. I talk about things that people do not want to think about. My goofiness comes and my oddities make them laugh, but it is not the same. We did not share in the same ways as they shared with other friends. I understand that, but it makes for a lonely feeling at times. I never truly feel alone, alone because I am comfortable with myself. I find pleasure in being silly with myself. I make myself laugh all the time. I find creatures to be quite good friends – though the conversations tend to be a bit one-sided."

I can relate to this. I am never sure if someone is a friend or just an acquaintance. There was a time that I had people I believed were friends, but they turned out to be conditional friendships based around a shared interest.

Here is another article on how to be friends with someone on the autistic spectrum:

http://evilautie.org/2012/10/06/another-oldie-how-to-be-an-autistics-friend/