7. Symbiotic Relationships: The Emotional Ecosystem of Women with Asperger’s
When we think about relationships, most of us envision a give-and-take dynamic. However, women with Asperger’s often find themselves in symbiotic relationships where roles are highly specialized. They may gravitate towards people who can handle tasks they find challenging, like navigating social scenarios. In turn, they offer something equally valuable, often a form of emotional depth or intellectual richness.
You see, women with Asperger’s are often laser-focused problem solvers. It’s not uncommon for them to resolve intricate emotional puzzles within relationships, but they’re less likely to catch the tiny sparks that could ignite relational conflict. Those who form close relationships with them might find this specialized skill set quite extraordinary and enlightening.
Not everything is rosy, though. Sometimes these specialized roles can make the woman with Asperger’s highly dependent on their partner for certain needs. The relationship can become more transactional than emotionally reciprocal. While this can work, it sometimes sets the stage for vulnerability and exploitation.
Then there’s the element of communication. The usual channels may not suffice. Subtle body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues may not be picked up as easily by these women. So, those in symbiotic relationships with them often find that explicit communication works best.
The point is, symbiotic relationships can be both fulfilling and fraught for women with Asperger’s. The challenge and the opportunity lie in acknowledging this unique relationship structure, exploring its potential, and being aware of its pitfalls. (7)
