Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Psyche.
Some of My “Inappropriate Accidents While Living”
I was aware there was a likely reason for doing and saying so many of the things I did and said relatively early on. My parents told me I was an early talker. I now know that what my 6th grade teacher called my inappropriateness was a characteristic many of us on the Autism spectrum are blessed/cursed with. In almost every instance, I was blissfully unaware that I had said or done something “wrong.” (If you can practically feel me using air quotes, it’s because I still don’t understand why most of the things I said or did were considered wrong.) I also don’t believe that these that these inappropriate accidents while living are characteristic only to those of us with autism. I’ve encountered many neurotypical people who say and do pretty much the same kind of things that I’ve said and done, but with none of the shaming of inappropriateness. (This discrepancy has been explained to me as those people just “being honest” or “telling it like it is,” to which I always find myself asking “why isn’t that what I’m doing?”) I guess the question of appropriateness depends on which kind of person says or does the thing. I know which kind of person I am. If you’re sitting there, reading this and asking yourself which kind you are, then I’m sorry but you’re a Natalie…you’re a me…you’re an us…you’re not just being honest or telling it like it is…congratulations…you’re inappropriate.
By Natalie Forrest4 years ago in Psyche
The Car Door Punishment
My life has apparently been a string of experiences that most people cannot relate to, and on occasion, I come across incredulous individuals, who, in their naivete, question my honesty. I offer no apologies for my experiences. I lived through them and they did not. I don't lie. At least it’s very rare for me and when I do it’s usually to save someone’s feelings. That trait takes a great deal of cultivation...that being said...
By J.D. Bradley4 years ago in Psyche
AITA? No
Are people aware of this subreddit called AITA? It stands for “Am I The A-Hole?” I discovered this a few months ago and I am hooked on it. Basically what this is is a place for people to go online to tell some horrible story that happned to them, how they responded, and then ask if they were in the wrong for doing so. Then the community gives their answer and possibly some advice (which, to be honest, seems to be coming from a bunch of teens and young adults and, while well-intentioned seems to lack much in the way of wisdom, which becomes really obvious in those situations that aren't so cut and dry).
By Mytoxic Family4 years ago in Psyche
How Writing Saves My Life Every Day
This past week has been stressful. I had a flare-up of back pain that became so bad I couldn’t walk properly, which led to neck stiffness and horrible headaches. I had a bout of stomach pain. On Friday I was due for some day surgery; the same surgery I’d had in 2017, which led to an infection that seemed to have a run-on effect I’m still dealing with.
By Michelle Tuxford4 years ago in Psyche
Meghan’s Shiney Path
Hello, everyone. My name is Meghan. I wanted to share with you how I gained a lot of wisdom and my journey and experiences through this remarkable challenge. You may see me as an artsy, a nerdy, a glimmer, and a creative young woman with unique outfits in both feminine and gender-neutral styles. Yes, I love whimsy fashion(and yes, whimsical is one of my favorite words). I love all tones of purple(pale lilac to plum), rainbows, velvets, sparkles, glitters, vivid patterns, and vintage details. I love oversized sweaters and flowy tunics. I love now-tied blouses. I love cute collars. I love adorable shoe-flats, oxfords, and kitten heels.
By Meghan LeVaughn 4 years ago in Psyche
ADHD, Anxiety and the glass bowl.
It seems that the challenges of being an adult with ADHD is often overlooked. The majority of us have lived with it so long we have subconsciously developed strategies that mean we don’t regularly consider them as challenging. In fact we tend to utterly ignore them which on a day to day basis is unimportant, however being more aware of just how your ADHD brain has adapted to keep you functioning is crucial in keeping you happy and healthy.
By Simon Curtis4 years ago in Psyche
