I'm not easily offended @Captain24. Also, nothing you said was offensive. You were just being sweet and silly with the "You’re out and about early today!" comment (at least that's how I interpreted it).
My experience with surgery has been mixed. Sometimes immediately afterwards I wasn't in much pain, but then the next couple of days the pain increased. But for me the pain usually subsides within a few days. Do you have any tasks / activities that you can do while sitting on the couch? Something that involves even small movements with your hands can even be helpful. I'm really glad you've had some naps.
Can you vaguely explain why you need to "forget"? Sometimes I want to forget things and then do stuff to avoid the thought / thing, but it doesn't end up helping me. It's a balance though. Distraction can be necessary sometimes, but like you said, it can lead to burnout if we push too hard.
I have a thing about yoghurt too! It's not the smell for me. It's the texture. I will eat it sometimes because the texture can really upset me if I'm already not in a best headspace.
The people pleaser stuff is so real. You've got to put yourself first though. Firstly, I actually don't think your dietician will be too hung up if you don't try what she suggests. You could try saying something like "I really appreciate your suggestion and I understand that you're encouraging me to try this thing. However because I am Autistic and struggle with [insert thing here] that suggestion is very overwhelming for me. Could we try something else or even breakdown what you suggested into tiny chunks? I can only cope with really small steps / changes right now". That way you're expressing your need and giving a reason, but you're also remaining open to other suggestions or changes.
When I say "communities" Cap I don't generally mean just in-person communities. I use that term really loosely. I have mates who are also queer and / or neurodivergent. We don't go to events or groups or stuff together really. We just all identify with a particular label. Basically I just mean connecting with other people who share that part of my identity, in whatever way that happens. We do have a "Rainbow Connections" group as part of the RecoveryClub program though, and that can be really nice. It's generally a pretty chill group (and generally not super heavy, if that makes sense). I really like that you feel like your community is just pretty accepting 🌈
Most days I think I'm also at the "I don’t want to take up space not meant for me" stage. That is until I explain in excruciating detail to my partner how I need my Christmas tree decorated; the balance of the colours and types of ornaments, what order they need to be put on and the "pattern" of the twinkly lights. I struggled with the scratchy texture of the fake Christmas tree and then I got super overwhelmed because I couldn't get the lights to be on the right pattern 😅
