“...but I’m not sure what online communities or social media have to do with me not wanting to talk to people in line at the grocery store.”

Online communities are to real communities what internet porn is to sex. It ain’t the real thing.

Why you’re continuing to bring up people with autism, I have no clue. No where on thread is the discussion about autism and social interaction. I was responding to your comment. You aren’t autistic. Your original comment had nothing to do with autism. Autism is a completely different discussion.

I definitely wouldn’t assume anyone was autistic by a comment like yours. I tend not to give mental health evaluations (as I’m not a medical professional) let alone reach such a conclusion through a comment. That is insane.

“When I’m in the grocery store or even a bookstore, the last thing I want is to talk to strangers, because I’m already there looking for something.”

Shokes, I just don’t understand your mindset. As if because someone you may date comes via someone you know, you think they can’t be an asshole or worse? Date rape is incredibly common yet the victim and abuser know each other. Pedophiles are often family or family friend.

I could not disagree with you any more. I lived in NYC for over a decade (2001-2015) and I remember people (strangers) asking each other out all the time in all sorts of places. I (a man) have asked out women I just happen to see at the store, on the street or on the subway (doing so in absolutely the most respectful…