They say they are super clumsy, joke about not being able to do properly even the most basic everyday tasks (for example, “I’m so awkward that I can’t make toast without burning the house down haha lol”). Or, they dramatically downplay their skillsets (for example, a friend who is on a competitive basketball team joking that they have never put the ball through the hoop not even once in their life).
When I hear these things, I cringe in my head. Like, how could you possibly burn your house down from making toast? All that you need to do is put the bread in, select a setting that isn’t going to burn it and push the lever down. It really isn’t \*THAT\* hard. And even if it was, why would they feel the need to articulate this in a social setting? They could literally tell me anything.
I’m sure there is a purpose behind this behavior. Maybe it’s a way to lighten the mood socially or make their conversation partner feel more comfortable sharing their mistakes or vulnerabilities?
Serious replies only please.
I have autism. I have trouble understanding why people act the way they do in social situations.