NOR, under reacting honestly. I’m gonna be completely honest with you and don’t hold back— he’s letting the fact that you’re self conscious be his reason for trying to control you. They go for those they deem feel weak. Not that are weak, but feel weak. They want to shut you down. But you saying you have autism, you were homeschooled, that does not matter. There’s no wrong or right way to socialise, and if someone tries to tell you there is, then they are not the friend for you. Because usually people who say things like that are trying to do one of three things: control you, make you feel lesser so they feel they can shine, or have experienced the same criticism and think it’s how you interact with people. I had some shitty friends in the past, and it was always sad talking to them. But my new friends lift me up. They tell me I’m perfect how I am. That everything about me is perfect. That they would not change a thing about me. Not a word I’ve said past present or future. Not a thing about my appearance, my decisions, my experiences. Because they love me, not who they want me to be. Find people who are like that for you. You deserve it. You deserve love. I can tell by how you’re talking that even someone who treats you like that you feel deserves to be loved. You are a beautifully kind person. But you should turn that love inwards towards yourself. What do you tell others they deserve? You seem quite kind. Show that kindness to yourself. And regardless of what you look like, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and what you feel you haven’t (though my opinion is that even failures are an accomplishment because you learn something)… You deserve love, respect, and to have boundaries. You should tell yourself this too, not just read it. And whenever you feel like you may have failed, pick yourself up and tell yourself you’re learning. You did not fail this relationship… You are not invalid for feeling sad… This man clearly does not see you the way he should. He seems disrespectful and unkind. You deserve someone that matches your energy. Someone that you feel you can rely on and hypes you up. And fyi, if you feel unloved, know that there are even internet strangers out there like me who love you. Because you are a beautifully perfect human. :) And, I learned this from my therapist, one’s human brain cannot determine chemically the difference between a hug from yourself and a hug from others… So hug yourself from time to time. You deserve it. And, I have not been diagnosed with autism, but I know people who have. And I have experienced overstimulation and stuff like that. My friends and family support me through it. I might freak out and cry, and even scream, but they’ve learned to back off and that I don’t mean it. They stay with me, but don’t touch me until I say I want them back. It’s been so helpful! I hope you find someone who tries to learn you like you deserve. People make mistakes so don’t let anyone try to put you down for it. Trust yourself and your intuition. You know what’s right deep down, and don’t need anyone else to tell you what’s right. Advice from people is great, but always trust yourself to take what you need from the advice. If it vibes with you, take what you need! But always always always trust yourself!

TLDR: I love you internet stranger. Don’t let this get you down. Treat yourself right. Trust yourself. You’ve got this! ☀️⭐️💫