Why are my friends pressuring me into doing things I don’t normally do? Am I a prude?

[Anonymous]

I am autistic and I love my routine but when they ask me to go out like to clubs, or whatever, I say no because that’s not my thing. I don’t like taking risks, I like my old routine and I tend to keep it that way. One of the guys I know is very frustrated. He scolded at me that I put NO effort into asking to hang out or try anything new. I’ve been screwed over and over again by people I thought were my friends and I do like being alone. I have great few friends and acquaintances. I overheard my friend showing off her tattoo and some of the people I know got tattoos. She was like, “Maybe we should take (my name) a tattoo.” They laughed. I just looked at her. She was like, “Yeah I’m talking about you! Girl you gotta live a little.” My guy friend asked me if I wanted to get a tattoo. I said no and I prefer to just play and live it safe. I get criticized for playing it safe and way too obedient. I don’t drink, I don’t go out dancing, I do not go to casinos, clubbing, and all that crazy adult shit.
I was such a rule follower growing and it even drove my parents crazy! I got called a goody two shoes in school and I still do.
Why would they ask me to get a tattoo or wear sexy clothes or whatever. Also those people in Cochella wear slutty and revealing clothing! Even 30 or 40 years. So dissatisfied and disappointing. Be appropriate. My own sister is like 32 and went with friends and she dressed so slutty. She’s 32! She shouldn’t be dressed like that but she didn’t listen. My friends encouraged me to be more sexy and pick out more sexier clothes and less frumpy clothes. I like taking appropriate photos and my best said why pick the boring ones and chose the sexy one. I don’t like the word sexy. Inappropriate. She’s irritated with me and called me a stuck up prude homebody. 😳🤯

[Orion84]

First of all, you're not a prude at all. Some people just like different things, and have different lifestyles. There's nothing wrong with that.

Secondly, if your friends can't understand that, and keep trying to pressure you into doing things you're clearly not comfortable with, then they're not your friends. If they were, they would respect your decision.

Unfirtunately, that's how friendships sometimes end. People get into different things, and the end up drifting apart. That's better than capitulating to the pressure, and doing something you don't want to do, though.

Be true to yourself, and if they won't accept that, then the hell with them. You don't need people like that in your life, anyway. Just be the person you're comfortable being, and you can make new friends, ones that you share common interests with.

[Anonymous]

It's good to keep an open mind but while it may already be obvious, these people are likely coming at it with a neurotypical perspective and they may not understand how autism affects your life.

I hope you remain diligent and don't let the pressures of others affect you. Or more specifically. The UNJUST pressures. Like I said, keep an open mind. Sometimes habits induced via autism can be self-destructive. But not going to get tattoos, as one example, is not one of them.

[Jersey2]

No, go with your gut. Listen to your own thoughts not them. They may not be good friends for you.

[jahaims]

They don't respect you

[zombiewoof]

Find better friends