Uncommon...

"Common sense." It’s a term people throw around casually, as if it’s something everyone naturally has. The assumption is that we’re all working from the same internal guidebook, a set of instructions that helps us handle life’s complexities. But the reality is different. I didn’t get this mythical manual, and it often feels like others didn’t either, despite the confidence with which they act.

Social cues add another layer of difficulty. People around me seem to glide through social situations effortlessly, understanding unspoken rules that guide interactions. While I’m highly sensitive to shifts in the atmosphere or changes in someone’s tone of voice, I often struggle to grasp the broader social expectations that others seem to take for granted. These rules, which appear so clear to everyone else, often feel elusive and hard to interpret. I’m left piecing them together through observation and deduction, with varying success.

This constant need to ask "Why?" is central to how I make sense of the world. It’s not about defiance or challenging the status quo—it’s a strategy for understanding a world that doesn’t always add up to me. Why do people react in certain ways? Why are some behaviors expected while others are frowned upon? Why does everyone seem to instinctively understand rules that baffle me? My questions often lead to confusion or frustration from others. I’m labeled difficult or rebellious, not because I want to push boundaries, but because I’m seeking clarity in a world that feels anything but clear.

Living in a world where "common sense" is assumed to be the norm is exhausting. The lack of clear, explicit rules means misunderstandings are almost inevitable. The consequences of these misunderstandings are real—they can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and anxiety. It often feels like everyone else has been given the tools to handle social situations, while I’m left to figure things out on my own, with no clear guidance.

This is where empathy and patience are crucial. What might seem obvious or second nature to someone else can be completely confusing for me. It’s not about capability or willingness—it’s about the different ways we process and understand the world. I don’t need pity or sympathy; I need understanding. I need acknowledgment that not everyone’s mind works the same way, and that this diversity in thought and perception is not just okay, but valuable.

If there’s anything to take away from this, it’s that "common sense" isn’t as universal as it’s made out to be. It’s not a one-size-fits-all concept. For me, what others consider "normal" often requires careful questioning and a level of awareness that isn’t always appreciated or understood. This experience could be made more manageable with just a little more support, clearer communication, and a lot less judgment.

Key Takeaways:

• "Common sense" is not a universal concept; it varies greatly among individuals and should not be assumed to be the same for everyone.

• Social cues and rules are not always intuitive and can be difficult to interpret without explicit guidance.

• Empathy and understanding are essential in recognizing that different people process and understand the world in different ways.