Thank you so much for your comment Sieran -- and for the generous support that you gave to my Substack! You've been such a strong supporter of me and my work and all I can do is be grateful rather than covering my face and prattling on about how I don't deserve it, haha. Just, thank you.

I am like you in that I find social interactions quite energizing when I know what to expect and know that I have a role to play in the interactions that is welcomed. That's part of why I am getting so invested in the furry world as of late. In a costume, I know I can take up space, be silly, engage with strangers, and not be on edge when they approach me, either! It's also what I loved about speech and debate as a teen. I knew when it was my time to talk and that being critical would make people impressed instead of mad at me!!

Your remark about finding many clothing patterns and fabrics visually upsetting is a revelation to me!! I have often felt like I must be a judgemental, harsh asshole for being so strongly put off by many of my surroundings. Many physical spaces are just too overwhelming and visually busy or ugly for me to ever be able to relax in...but even saying that, I often fear, makes me sound like the princess and the pea or something. But I really do experience it and I can't make it go away. I also pursued academia because there was no uniform.