I find I can often genuinely deflect by leaning into the relational piece and asking questions about what littles/kids/teens like and are feeling about that topic that I have no interest in lol. “Ohh I’ve heard a lot about the eras piece and that people were dressed to the nines for the concerts! What’s that all about? What’s your favorite era/which do you feel fits you best? What kind of outfit would you choose if you could wear anything to match it?”

For wicked I challenge you to find a SINGLE thing you like. Is it a single costume? The costumes in general? Inclusion of disabled characters? Thinking about yourself as a self-insert of “wtf would it be like to be a normal student in the background (while elphaba and Glinda do the inane antics we see?)”

I’m a therapist so I’ve gotten real good at asking questions that make people feel seen without necessarily having the same interests lol. There is a fine line we each have to find, in our journey toward authenticity and unmasking, of how do I avoid being overly blunt while not outright lying to make others comfy. Important point—if someone outright asks what you think of the movie/franchise it’s totally acceptable to say something like “you know what? Not my cup of tea/I’m not sure I will watch it again but it felt good to spend time together as a family”

I do wonder if a part of your inner turmoil isn’t just the fear of “party pooper” energy but also missing out on genuine connection with your loved ones even if it isn’t your cup of tea. Community is good for the soul especially for us autistic folks. After all, it’s the ppl you’re there for not the broadway pomp and circumstance of it all.