Allow me to offer my strength

How I felt when me and my SO were travelling and only I spoke the local language

How it feels when you're all introverted

People are too anxious to order food?? That sounds amazingly miserable.
- For a long time I wouldn't order pizza, I would always make a friend do it. If they wouldn't, oh well, guess we weren't having pizza.
  I've gotten a lot better, my career has basically required me to be able to make and field calls so I can do it now. But I still appreciate places that let me order online through a form, which is thankfully pretty common these days.
  
  Not trying to intrude but in my 20s I had tremendous anxiety - though not about talking to people, just general debilitating nervousness. I started taking community college acting classes in the evening and my anxieties went away almost immediately - the difference was amazing. Also I suddenly had tons of friends and an active social life. I was a full-on theatre guy for years, doing production stuff as well as acting. It directly led to how I got together with my wife, and we've been happily married many years. I owe a hell of a lot to theatre and I always suggest it to anyone for getting out of their shell. The first night of class was pretty scary but I was determined to really throw myself into it, and it paid off.
- I mean various mental illnesses are involved with anxiety. As a generality say 90% of people are fine 5% can get through but prefer not to 4% prefer help/support but can manage life and 1% need the help/support and probably haven't difficulty otherwise. The 95% don't understand and that makes help/support for the 1% often comes from the 4%.
  
  I can't be the only one here that takes offense being called "mentally ill"
  Neurodiversity isn't a illness and it certainly can not be cured. Everyone is unique and has there own story to tell. Having social difficulties doesn't mean someone has an illness.
- Yeah, a lot of people are basically raised by a screen and were never forced to develop enough social skills to function in basic society.
  
  Why do you need to be forced by society to develop social skills? Why isn't putting your best forward enough? For various real reasons, some people just aren't able to meet the standard forced upon them.
  Trauma plays a big role in some that have trouble communicating. Instead of blaming people for being "raised by a screen", practice kindness and compassion. Do your part to make this world more inclusive, accessible, and less traumatizing for all individuals, or don't - up to you.
  
  Most humans are born with social skills prebaked into their brains. Almost all of your interactions are handled at a subconscious level.
  Then there is the few of us that are Autistic and lack the socializing instincts. We just flounder around and figure things out as we go.

When you are Autistic but also are able to make eye contact
I'm not perfect but I push though when other Autistic people don't. I've learned that often times it is better to be loud and proud as that's better than hiding long term.