Getting in Touch With my Inner Butterscotch
January 13th 2009 21:00
Having Aspergic tendencies means I really value my personal space. As my psychologist friend put it, “You want absolutely no contact with people.” So true.
That’s one thing I really dislike about the Sydney CBD area is the number of people who pester those who are simply minding their own business. From people selling credit cards to those wanting donations, I wish they would all leave me alone.
Today I was caught out. I had just bought some food from a shop and was packing it into my plastic bag (being environmentally friendly, I always re-use plastic bags) when this woman asked me for money. I felt cornered and did what any Aspergic would do and walked off. She then started abusing me for my lack of charity. Like any Aspergic, I became mute (saves fights with strangers).
Okay, I admit it. Just as there are some people who don’t give a toss about animals, I am one of those people who can’t give a toss about other people. I know people find this offensive but I’m not going to pretend to be someone I’m not.
My sister and close friend Fred are the same. Fred is another misanthrope so we make a good pair. We often have discussions about being abused when we refuse to hand over money to some stranger. We don’t get it: as if being abused is going to entice us to open our wallets.
My sister told me she would not donate to any charity except animal ones. My heart lifted at that thought because I’m the same. How often do you see people trying to raise money for animals? I’m sure they exist but I wish they could come to the Sydney CBD.
After the woman had a go at me, I felt like Butterscotch. Although he likes people, he doesn’t suffer fools gladly and is easy to rile up. Butterscotch will bite and scratch if he is provoked just as I felt like biting and scratching that woman. Regardless of how I reacted to her, at the end of the day, she approached me, not the other way around. So who gives her the right to abuse me when she was the one who invaded my personal space?
I hate people.
| 59 |
| Vote |
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
I know there are animal charities accosting for donations because Ive been targeted by them too. But I have too many animals and not enough money, so even though Id like to donate, I cant.
I actually see humans as animals, and it is the only saving grace they get with me. On my property, I AM mother nature, I am the quickest, smartest, toughest animal, I control the environments, feeding schedules, and through that, their emotions and moods. I even rule over the other humans and every animal on this place knows I am the pack leader. They depend on me and come and get me - or call for me - when somethings wrong, like a water bucket needs filling or a seed bowl. Hence, when Im out amoungst people, I still see myself as Alpha female - Pack leader. I notice how much quicker I am at reading situations, getting across roads, knifing through crowds....And people subconciously follow me. Its like they cant help it, like they are begging to be led as soon as they see decisive leadership. It also makes perfect sense for crime - all crime is caused by standard territory fights and power structures, its common in herd animals or pack carnivores.
I read once that humans, as a high class predator, should not live in groups. High class predators break away from each other, live in tiny family groups and defend them to the death. Basically, grouping together the way we do is unnatural, its more like what rabbits and mice do, and we sure arent that low on the food chain!
But we arent a smart species, no way. I manage to garner just a little sympathy for my fellow man, just so long as I remember they are mostly 'submissive' pack members living outside their natural environment. Its the only thing that stops me being really mean.
Comment by Queenie
Quirky Folk
Quirky Queenie
I don't get it. A few days ago I was in a hurry to meet a friend and I was in a crowd and, like you, this tourist chose me of all people to ask where the Opera House was. She used her hands to make a ball shape and I was wondering why she was doing that when I realised she thought I couldn't understand English. I felt like saying to her, if you think I can't speak English, why did you choose to ask the only Asian in the crowd for directions? People are so stupid sometimes it's unbelievable.
I was telling my friend Brett about my post and he said he also gets abused if he doesn't want to give money to the homeless. But he says he does donate to charities and can't afford to give money to everyone who asks him for money. That made me realise that that woman was assuming I was uncharitable while in reality, I could be giving my money to other charities. All she knows is that I chose not to give money to her.
While I don't give cash donations, my neighbour does a lot of charity work and I end up giving her old clothes, books, homewares etc so she can donate them to charity. She keeps asking me and other neighbours to continue giving her unwanted goods.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
As for the woman who abused you, I love getting that reaction. It means I upset them way more than they upset me. Its a small petty victory, but I take it! I'm so bad that if my ipod runs out of battery I still keep it plugged into my head so it appears I cant hear. Horrible, but it ensures privacy!
Comment by Queenie
Quirky Folk
Quirky Queenie
As much as I love Sydney, I hate how people love to invade your personal space. I'm constantly moving around or changing seats so I can be alone.
People are strange. Give me an animal any day.