If you chose the anonymous route for your username, how/why did you pick what you picked??💭

So sad how Tao feels she must play into the stereotypes and expectations of how the town believes immigrant should be.

I grew up loving books. I think I’ve been reading all my life and books make me so happy. I’m extremely introverted and my mother’s abuse throughout my childhood and teens made me into the introverted, socially awkward person I am today who would rather be alone and needs alone time for her mental health.

But people think there’s something wrong with me for being immersed in books so much. Sometimes their behavior is almost condescending like they’re talking to me like I’m a silly child who reads fairy tales and storybooks.

I’m not sure if it’s just people of my culture who view reading as a solitary activity and see it as odd because the norm is to be social and talkative and extroverted basically.

I suppose not all readers are introverted but to those who are: how do you deal with peoples’ feelings towards your personality and books? Do people criticize that you live in your head too much? Because that’s what I hear all the time that books are to blame for me being the introverted socially awkward person that I am. Sometimes my books would be torn on purpose or taken away as punishment so I’d behave and be better.

I’d love to know so I can manage myself better. For example I came back home after 5 months abroad and I tried to spend maximum time with my parents and we’d watch tv and when they’d head to bed I’d go to my room and my dad later criticised me for going to my room and not coming over to talk to them. I guess I miss some social cues idk but I’d like to know how people think and what they expect. I’m also autistic I think but I haven’t been formally diagnosed