How should I navigate this delicate situation?

[Anonymous]

I’m going anonymous on here, because a guy who is known to me offline and also knows the people I’m discussing uses this site. There’s a guy friend of mine I’ll call *Derek.*. He’s really shy and innocent and has Asperger’s and is lonely, looking for a girlfriend to eventually marry. He said he won’t date a woman called *Deborah* that I recently introduced him to, who’s a new friend of mine, who requested a blind date with him, set up by me, until he has my opinion of her, after meeting for a girls’ lunch. I also have Asperger’s. My therapist that I see for depression advised me to divorce myself from playing matchmaker from now on in this autistic community, because I have no way of knowing how capable autistic individuals are of maintaining successful romantic relationships and they’re likely to blame me if things go wrong. How do I navigate this; and take a step back?

[Oliverlogan263]

Here's what I would suggest:

Derek, I know you trust my opinion since we've been friends for a while. But like my therapist said, I can't really know how things might work out between you and Deborah romantically. That's something only you can figure out by getting to know her yourself.

How about you have lunch with her with an open mind? See if you connect and feel comfortable. Don't put pressure on yourself to date right away - just take it as a chance to meet a new person. I want you both to be happy, so think about what *you* really want.

As for me, I'll still be your friend no matter what. But from now on, I can't promise whether people will be a good match. That's for you guys to decide. If things don't work out with Deborah, don't blame me - promise you'll just do what feels right for you.

What do you think? I want to support you, but also respect my therapist's advice. You're an adult - I know you'll handle this situation in a way that's best for you. Let me know if you need anything else luv!

[boggboss]

Just explain that your therapist said u need to take a step back and focus on your life