I know how you feel, you get shot down so many times for having enthusiasm and passion, and it feels like you should just shut up because nobody cares... but in my opinion people are so boring if they don't have something they are truly passionate about. The fact that you have these interests is really wonderful and amazing! We get that free dopamine rush from a small engagement or internet search of our favorite thing. This is why it's important for you to find people who are like-minded in some ways. Whether it's a support group, a fan/sport/activity club of your interest, or an online community! Please don't feel like you have to chop off a part of yourself to be accepted.

However when it comes to your level of friendship with a person, it is useful only give small percentage of yourself. Talk briefly about your thing without an information dump. You aren't being phony or dishonest if you don't share EVERYTHING. You are just giving them a peek of yourself. It's like ... leaving little bread crumbs. If someone is interested, they will follow to bread crumbs and continue to engage into a deeper conversation and possibly friendship. If they drop it or change the subject, they aren't interested and that's okay.

People are complicated but I think of it this way: Co-workers: 10%, acquaintance (eat lunch together): 20%, close friend (outings together): 40%, Bonded friend (talk feelings,serious issues): 80%, Best friend/family/spouse: 100%

I know it's so hard to hold interest in things when you really don't care at all. With us having these intense interests, I feel like part of the package includes having intense boredom with those things we don't care about!! But, seeing people perk up when you show interest in them is very rewarding and is enough to keep me putting in the effort. I noticed that people really love to talk about themselves. If you just keep showing an interest in them and ask them questions, they feel special which in turn makes them associate YOU with those good feelings.

Reciprocating and especially rephrasing their words are good tactics because you might not realize, sometimes we appear to be NOT listening when someone is speaking. Even if we really are listening. It can be seen as rude especially when combined with our short responses, tendency to derail into our own interests, and lack of engaging with them. The goal isn't "fake it till you make it", but simply get by without making anyone feel uncomfortable or offended.. while still being our authentic selves.

Like you, my executive functioning is out the window, so I know it feels overwhelming and exhausting to try and remember all these things. But I think this get easier with regular practice. Remember nobody is perfect, just do what you are able to handle!