The Whether

 I live in a region that often has violent and deadly storms. Super cell thunderstorms that spawn large tornadoes are a common occurrence.

Our local weathermen attempt to forecast these storms, to help save lives. They have computer models that will help them predict where and when these storms may occur.

Predicting these storms is troublesome at best. We have false alarms , perhaps more often than we have actual storms. These storms typically approach from an area west of where I live known as “Tornado Alley” . Where I live is right at what may be considered as the direct path of this so called alley.

I’ve learned that the best predictor of eminent danger is to monitor the approaching storms and look for a recent history of these storms spawning tornadoes. If there has been a recent history of tornadoes then there’s a good chance my area will be in danger.

I’ve noticed a parallel with predicting these storms Mother Nature produces and the “social storms” that are man made that I seem to encounter whenever I have misread a social situation or interaction.

“The Whether”

Just as I lack the ability to predict an approaching storm that is weeks out , I cannot detect when there will be an approaching “social storm “ very far out.

I can tell when a “social storm” is brewing . Perhaps I have resisted a suggestion or request at work that I know will cause me harm because of my autism and detect a change in a superior’s behavior.

If a person’s recent history suggests they may react in a negative manner to an interaction I’ve had  with them I will think it’s safe to sound the alarm of an approaching “social storm”

I can see what appears to be an imminent threat of such a storm. 

Just as my local meteorologist attempts to predict the oncoming storm I will try and predict how the coming “social storms” will affect me and how and where it may cause damage.

Just as often as the weatherman has false alarms, I , the “Whether Man” ,will too have false alarms.

The local weatherman will suggest that when a storm is approaching you should move to the lowest level of your home, preferably a room with no windows and below ground if possible.

This is similar to the metaphorical safe room I go to in my mind when I detect an approaching “social storm”. I will move my consciousness to the lowest level I can find and block out as much of the “social storm” as I can.

I will try to avoid as much interaction as possible. I will stop looking at peoples faces as to avoid any intent of relaying information through facial expressions that I just don’t understand. I will become selectively mute because my continual masking leads me to be agreeable during conversations and if I’m expecting a storm I don’t want to act as if everything’s ok.

As I do with natural storms , watch and wait , I’ve learned to do the same with “social storms”. I will shelter in place and attempt to protect myself as best as I can. When the storm has past ,I will emerge from my safe room in my mind  and assess the damage.

As it is with natural storms , repairing the damage from a social storm takes time. Natural storms will scar the landscape for many years to come. Social storms leave lasting scars as well.

Our storm season has just begun. It runs from the 1st of December through June , although it’s certainly not unheard of to have these storms any month of the year.

The season of my “Whether” is constant. No breaks , this is life inside my tornadic mind.