Growing up with autism, I had a hard time making friends. I was often left alone in school and on the playground, and even when I tried to engage with others, my attempts were often met with confusion and misunderstanding. So, when I was in my early teens, I thought I had figured out a way to buy myself friends: wearing branded goods.
I began to buy the most popular brands of clothing, accessories, and shoes. I thought that if I wore the same things as everyone else, people would like me. I thought if I looked and dressed the same as my peers, I could be accepted, even if I didn’t understand social cues. I wanted to fit in.
I quickly realized that wearing branded goods did not make me popular.
People didn’t suddenly start talking to me or become my friend. In fact, it had the opposite effect. People associated me with the idea of trying to buy friends. They saw me as someone who was desperate for attention and approval.
It was a difficult and embarrassing realization. But it was also a valuable lesson. I learned that buying branded goods does not buy friendship. Instead, I had to learn how to be a better friend. I had to learn how to make conversation, how to listen, and how to show empathy. I had to learn about body language and nonverbal communication.
At first, it was difficult. I was often confused and frustrated. But I eventually got better at it. I was able to make more friends and develop meaningful relationships. I also learned that my autism didn’t have to be a barrier to having good relationships.
I now understand that friendship is not something that can be bought. It has to be earned. It has to be built on trust, respect, and understanding. It takes time and effort. It’s not something that can be bought with branded goods or money.
That doesn’t mean that buying branded goods is a bad thing. I still like to look nice and dress in the latest fashion trends. But I also know that it’s not a substitute for genuine friendship. It’s important to me to find friends who accept and understand me for who I am.
My experience with trying to buy friends has taught me a lot. It’s taught me that friendship is something that has to be earned. It’s taught me that I am valuable and that I don’t need to rely on material objects to make friends. It’s also taught me the importance of acceptance and understanding.
Today, I’m happy to say that I have a lot of great friends. They accept me for who I am and don’t judge me. I’m thankful for the lessons I’ve learned and for the people in my life who have helped me become who I am. I’m proof that friendship can’t be bought, and that it’s worth the effort to find it.