Guys, would you date someone with selective mutism?

[stingystarfish]

(selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations)

of course, with time, they'd probably be able to speak somewhat more as time goes on and they become comfortable.

yes

no

[PraviteliNahuiValite]

Sorry... So much nonsense with these made up disorders.

Sounds more like a fear response.. like it's stressing you. Do you know that there are people who are afraid of dogs because a dog once attacked them? ... it's not that they're born with it.. maybe you experienced pain in a situation... now scaring the shit out of you, that your mind and body gives up.

I'm suggesting that not only is it understandable and most people would date you, but it's also likely something that can be healed.

[GreekLorrd]

Selective mutism is a valid and treatable anxiety disorder, and with the right support and therapy, individuals with this condition can learn to manage their symptoms and improve their ability to communicate in social situations. However, it's important for both individuals in a relationship to feel comfortable and supported, and for their communication styles and needs to be compatible. Ultimately, it's up to each individual to decide what they are comfortable with in a partner and relationship.

[TheBootyChest]

Do they have this more in group/public settings or even one on one alone with the person they are dating?

[stingystarfish]

its worse in groups/public, but it can be with one on one as well. like i said, i would assume it'd get better with time and as the person gets more comfortable.

[TheBootyChest]

How does the person get more comfortable? I'm trying to see it from both sides here.

If they can communicate over text for a while then that is helpful. It's when they might act/look bored or annoyed that it can cause a problem. But if they look and act shy with an innocent smile then I understand that they are having a hard time and I can work with that for a bit of time.

[stingystarfish]

the other person being supportive and also helping the selectively mute person learn to trust them would probably be a huge factor in becoming more comfortable. in my case i do struggle with replying (specifically in a quickly manor due to over-reading and analyzing every word.) as far as acting or looking bored, id consider it more blank faced- which is typically in the higher stress situations, like the group/public settings, or the first few times meeting new people.

[TheBootyChest]

I can understand some of the things happening. And I'd like to think I can handle it well. But it's hard to know without seeing it.

I wouldn't mind you taking the time to reply knowing you are reading it all carefully. But if the replies were very short or not saying much in return it might be more tricky.

[stingystarfish]

i'm sure it'd definitely be tricky for the other person. but ironically, with the last guy i was chatting with for quite a few months, i was the one basically carrying the conversation (which was very difficult). like id send a small paragraph and get just a full sentence back if i was lucky. he eventually ghosted me and i automatically assumed it was my communication skills from the SM

[TheBootyChest]

Yeah it's a hard thing to read between the lines of some people's messages.

I try to talk to my friend and apologize for things, and explain myself so they understand where I am coming from. And in reply, I get "You're good."

And I'm like, "I just poured my heart out to you and that's all you have to say?" (I don't actually say that to them, just inside my head.)

[dudeinohio]

Sure

[In_Trance]

Probably not