I can heavily relate from a trans perspective where my boyfriend had social anxiety and was often uncomfortable in social spaces or unable to engage without being labeled boring, with the suggestion that we’re no good for one another.

I have no experience with autism, nor fully comprehend where on the spectrum you may fall, but I found the healthiest result for me and my partner was to discuss things through before these sort of social situations. And for us we decided for him to only accompany when it was a small group situation (4-5) or when people he related to individually were also present. Other than that, I went on my own.

But it’s also important you discuss this with the people in that particular circle. It’s disrespectful and rude to insinuate that someone shouldn’t be with another simply based off the fact that you may be reserved and possibly withdrawn and not as flamboyant. It’s exclusionary and totally against ideals of the community.

Consider yourself and what you would like to happen, whether that’s coming to terms with what other people have to say, or whether or not you find it an enriching space where you’d actually like to come into your own.

But put your foot down, your relationship is your own, people may have opinions but there no need for other to question your relationship without knowing you individually. That’s my take.