The Wall

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Dear Answer Wall, Lately I’ve been wondering if I might be autistic

Dear Answer Wall, Lately I've been wondering if I might be autistic, as I have some of the classic signs: I've often felt out of place in social situations (i.e. I rarely make jokes for fear of being misunderstood, and at parties, I can be found standing awkwardly in the corner); despite usually having an exceptional memory, I often forget people's names; I engage in some repetitive behaviors, like cleaning my nails even when there's nothing stuck under them; and I do tend to ramble about my sometimes-niche interests, even to an uninterested crowd. At the same time, I have a few good friends, am doing exceptionally well in my classes, and have no...
Dear Answer Wall, Lately I’ve been wondering if I might be autistic, as I have some of the classic signs: I’ve often felt out of place in social situations (i.e. I rarely make jokes for fear of being misunderstood, and at parties, I can be found standing awkwardly in the corner); despite usually having an exceptional memory, I often forget people’s names; I engage in some repetitive behaviors, like cleaning my nails even when there’s nothing stuck under them; and I do tend to ramble about my sometimes-niche interests, even to an uninterested crowd. At the same time, I have a few good friends, am doing exceptionally well in my classes, and have no…
...sensory issues of any kind Part of me is afraid that these wonderings come from a perverse desire to feel special, but that's the same thing I worried about when I was wondering if I was asexual and I am totally ace. I've looked at online tests that are supposed to give you an estimate of whether or not you might be autistic, but I always back out before taking them, becuase I worry that my expectation might bias the results. My questions for you are: Is there a definitive way to find out if I am autistic? Would there even be any point in finding out, given that I'm in my twenties and doing mostly fine? P.S. I am female, if that matters.
…sensory issues of any kind Part of me is afraid that these wonderings come from a perverse desire to feel special, but that’s the same thing I worried about when I was wondering if I was asexual and I am totally ace. I’ve looked at online tests that are supposed to give you an estimate of whether or not you might be autistic, but I always back out before taking them, becuase I worry that my expectation might bias the results. My questions for you are: Is there a definitive way to find out if I am autistic? Would there even be any point in finding out, given that I’m in my twenties and doing mostly fine? P.S. I am female, if that matters.

Thanks for sharing your candid & discerning disclosures. As you know, “autism” describes a broad spectrum of conditions (bit.ly/nimh-autism). You may or may not have a particular set of behaviors that would result in a diagnosis on this spectrum. Whether or not you are diagnosed, setting the process in motion could help you (and a professional) create a treatment plan that could address some of the behaviors you’d like to change, or it could just give you peace of mind to know for certain. You could begin the process either with Counseling Services (bit.ly/bc-counseling) or with your own primary care physician, and ask for a referral for testing. (BTW, your skepticism about online tests sounds healthy.) Whatever you do, I’m sure you’ll find a way to know yourself better.

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How do you tell ur roomate he has sleep apnea?

How do you tell ur roomate he has sleep apnea?
How do you tell ur roomate he has sleep apnea?

I would go the “I am not a doctor” (IANAD) route and not diagnose him, but gently bring up the symptoms that you’ve noticed, tell him they alarm you, and suggest he might want to ask his doctor (or see University Health Services (bit.ly/BostonCollegeHealth) about it. It’s good that you’re making the effort to do this; sleep apnea is no joking matter!

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What is the record for deepest hole ever dug? Because I think my friend is trying to break it right now.

What is the record for deepest hole ever dug? Because I think my friend is trying to break it right now.
What is the record for deepest hole ever dug? Because I think my friend is trying to break it right now.

The Kola Superdeep Borehole, at 7 1/ miles (!!!) still has the record, as far as I know – see this article on the history of very deep holes: bit.ly/VeryDeepHoles. That’s going to be a challenge for your friend to exceed. If you are not speaking of literal holes, though, perhaps suggest he talk to his advisor or Counseling Services, as appropriate?

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关山难越,谁悲失路之人 After we cross the difficult mountains, do we recall who was lost

关山难越,谁悲失路之人 After we cross the difficult mountains, do we recall who was lost
关山难越,谁悲失路之人 After we cross the difficult mountains, do we recall who was lost

In this well-known quote from the Tang dynasty poet Wang Bo (650—676), he was speaking of himself: I’ve created worthy poems, but they go unappreciated. But in a broader sense, it could also be about anyone whose talents and accomplishments remain in obscurity.

Thank you. In fact this was what we felt after got rejected by Columbia College. [Response: Wow.]
Thank you. In fact this was what we felt after got rejected by Columbia College. [Response: Wow.]

I’m sorry Columbia College didn’t think you were a match. I have faith that you will find the right place for you. Sometimes what we need from poetry (or any art) is to see our own difficulties reflected back at us, and to learn, “ah, people have always suffered thus. I’m not alone.” I’m glad you found that.

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不以物喜，不以己悲 Not pleased by external gains, not saddened by personal losses…

不以物喜，不以己悲 Not pleased by external gains, not saddened by personal losses...
不以物喜，不以己悲 Not pleased by external gains, not saddened by personal losses,
先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐 a leader should be the first to show concern and the last to enjoy himself
先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐 a leader should be the first to show concern and the last to enjoy himself

不以物喜，不以己悲 Not pleased by external gains, not saddened by personal losses,先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐 a leader should be the first to show concern and the last to enjoy himself

These lines from “Memorial to Yueyang Tower” by Fan Zhongyan (989－1052) of the Northern Song Dynasty, provide timeless wisdom for leaders who aspire to provide a steady foundation of selflessness for everyone around them.

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Why is Dave Gettleman so bad at his job

Why is Dave Gettleman so bad at his job
Why is Dave Gettleman so bad at his job

Is he though? It might be too early to say. You don’t know how these young players will shape up: maybe he sees something in them we don’t. Then again, maybe he blew it. I think we’ll all know by October.

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I always debate whether to sleep at O’Neill or go back to my dorm around 3/4 am. Can we have some beds at O’Neill?

I always debate whether to sleep at O'Neill or go back to my dorm and 3/4 am. Can we have some beds at O'Neill?
I always debate whether to sleep at O’Neill or go back to my dorm around 3/4 am. Can we have some beds at O’Neill?

I will forward your request to the decision makers, but I suspect beds will not be arriving soon. I have seen people in the library carrying pillows, so they have been able to find accommodations somewhere in O’Neill- creative furniture relocation may be your solution.

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Can Rockets win in 7

Can Rockets win in 7 [response: :( PLEASE]
Can Rockets win in 7 [response: 🙁 PLEASE]

They’ve got two games & have to win both. We’ll know tonight or Sunday. I’m nervous, but rooting for you & the Rockets!

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AAAAAAHHHHHH

AAAAAAHHHHHH
AAAAAAHHHHHH

The infinite scream may not be the hero we want, but it’s the hero we need. Please visit twitter.com/infinite_scream for your screaming needs. Or get inspired by the students of Uppsala University: bit.ly/flogsta-scream.