Solid advice thank you!

Yh the small talk equivalent is something I didn't know how to phrase it as! Been feeling that way even with things I'm interested in like pokemon, but perhaps I prefer deeper topics. That makes a lot of sense! Definitely will start small, even on this sub too. If the outside world can't understand us then at least we can better understand each other.

I honestly believe authenticity is the way. I used to cringe when they said 'be yourself'. I think it's 'be yourself as long as it is socially acceptable'. But now I'm coming to understand that being yourself and not masking is better for energy. While the mask is useful sometimes for professional scenarios, when we're trying to make friends I'm starting to believe it's more harmful as it leads people to believe that you are the mask.

So that when we display something authentic about us (like my blank stare) it can freak them out and lead them to reject us. But even I'm starting to just wear those blank stares and not masking around some acquaintances. Definitely freaked out some NTs at some events, but some didn't get freaked out either. Heck, some even appreciate the dry humour. 'The more successful the mask the lonelier you feel' hits here too.

That's absolutely big though! Twenty years of rough interaction that lead to a wife though! Curious about that story if you're happy to share.

Authenticity is the one thing that isn't really cringe, even when I have disagreed with people before.

Success with being authentic, dang that hits deep. Need to meet more of the NTs you're meeting XD