And it has all kinds of implications and context and shit.
How the fuck am I supposed to tell what’s just people doing things at random and what’s a part of all-singing-all-dancing-shit-show the neurotypicals call “social norms”? Down with NTs.
Honestly while it’s really fucking annoying that refusal to participate could result in some silly neuronormo interpreting a completely innocuous action as an offense, and it can cut you off from social shit, I think it’s basically the only way. The same button never does the same thing twice. Screeching rn.
I just learned this Persian word:
I suspect every culture has examples of this (we can find it everywhere from The Water Margin to Curb Your Enthusiasm), but it’s nice to have a word for one of these neurotypical song-and-dance routines that even the neurotypicals haven’t mastered.
I hate this kind of shit so much. It reminds me of trying to leave family gatherings and getting stuck saying goodbye to people for an hour. Leave the theatrics for the stage and screen, I just want to say how I feel in the moment.
Act I: Desperately trying to avoid being hugged
Act II: Explaining and apologizing for your ARFID for the millionth time as they try to feed you dubious regional cuisine
Act III: Desperately trying to navigate goodbyes
The person leaving is number one priority for social interaction because people won’t get a further chance for a while ( a subjective time frame for sure).
I get why such rituals exist, but even when I know them I feel too coerced to actually humor them unless it means my life or livelihood.
It’s also why I reject the “bro code” in whatever sloppy form that brobros try to throw at me. Fuck the brocode, fuck the “man card,” isn’t self-confidence and doing things your own way supposed to be “manly” anyway?
Oh I definitely don’t participate in this one. Sometimes I’ll ask someone if they’re sure, but if I want something you offer I’m sayin’ so.