When Friendship Clashes with Social Boundaries: A Tale of Two College Students

Picture this: two best friends, M and our storyteller (let’s call her ‘Guardian Angel’), both 18, excitedly sign up for an art class in their first year of college. M, a shy and kind-hearted girl from Japan, has always been uncomfortable with the touchy nature of Americans. Guardian Angel, understanding and protective, has always been there to intervene when things get too close for comfort. But what happens when an autistic classmate enters the scene, misunderstanding M’s shyness for shared experiences? ‍ ‍

Meet M: The Shy Butterfly

Guardian Angel: The Protective Friend

The Art Class Encounter

Misunderstood Intentions

Crossing Boundaries

Taking Action ️

The Aftermath

A Difficult Dilemma

Cultural Differences and Personal Boundaries

A Protective Friend’s Dilemma ‍♀️

Seeking Help from the Professor ‍

The Professor’s Intervention ‍

The Struggle Continues

A Difficult Goodbye

A Friend’s Dilemma

When Friendship Meets Cultural Differences and Personal Boundaries

In a whirlwind of emotions, cultural differences, and personal boundaries, Guardian Angel finds herself in a tough spot. She’s torn between her protective instincts for her friend M and empathy for their autistic classmate who misinterprets M’s shyness for shared experiences. Despite their attempts to distance themselves and the professor’s interventions, the classmate continues to cross M’s personal boundaries. As M struggles with her past traumas and cultural differences, Guardian Angel grapples with her role as a friend. This tale of friendship, cultural sensitivity, and personal boundaries leaves us wondering: How far would you go to protect a friend?

Explaining non-verbal cues to an autistic friend can be helpful

NAH, communicate with empathy: talk to him or the teacher ‍

NAH. Friend needs counseling, autism doesn’t excuse behavior

Defending a friend without being rude makes you NTA!

Teaching boundaries to an autistic child: heartwarming progress and advice ❤️

ESH (but an understanding one)

Friend lacks boundaries, guy lacks communication skills

Barricading for safety: Non-verbal communication and boundary enforcement

Being protective of a friend without crossing boundaries

Protecting a friend from a sketchy guy. NTA

Defending a friend makes you NTA

Defending a friend against creepy behavior. NTA!

NTA: Open communication can help bridge social boundaries with empathy

Navigating social boundaries with an autistic person: communication is key!

“YTA. Standing up for your friend was great, but you handled it like an 8 year old “

Navigating friendship boundaries and miscommunication with empathy and understanding

NAH for trying to help your friend, but handle it better

Engaging with an Autistic Classmate: Open Communication and Understanding

Setting boundaries with empathy: NTA’s perspective on personal space

Inappropriate convo? NTA! Don’t owe friendship. Get seats moved!

Awkward encounter leads to clash of boundaries. NTA vs YTA.

NTA, but communication is key for resolving conflicts

NTA, kindly explain why and be friendly with him

Showing compassion and understanding can prevent uncomfortable situations.

YTA – Approach the situation with empathy and open communication

NAH, but a conversation is needed to set boundaries.

NTA, Autism doesn’t give a pass to invade personal space

INFO: Friend’s passivity and cultural differences hinder her personal growth.

NTA, but communication is key to avoid unnecessary sulking

Setting boundaries and addressing inappropriate behavior with a friend

Autism isn’t an excuse. Not the a**hole

INFO: Did you physically block him or just create space?

Teaching empathy can bridge gaps and foster understanding

Navigating personal boundaries with kindness and understanding

Understanding and supporting a neurodivergent friend in social situations

Friendship vs. Boundaries: Prioritizing Comfort and Safety

Autism doesn’t excuse making others uncomfortable, but clear communication helps

Non-confrontational approach to dealing with creepy behavior by autistic student

NTA. Friend seeks help escaping dangerous and inappropriate situation.

“YTA. Autistic friend unknowingly crossed boundaries. You bullied and ostracized.”

Navigating friendship boundaries with empathy and understanding

Engaging in a tough conversation: how to apologize without blame

Being autistic isn’t an excuse for creepy behavior

Setting boundaries with a friend: NAH, but it got messy

Navigating boundaries with an autistic friend. Communication is key.

Respecting cultural differences: NTA explains Japanese non-confrontational culture

NTA. Encourage M to seek help from school officials

Engaging advice on navigating social boundaries with an autistic friend

Autistic commenter suggests seeking authority figure intervention for racist behavior.

Friend needs to assert herself, guy with autism lacks cues ‍♀️

Navigating friendship boundaries and educating a potentially clueless friend

Engaging way to set boundaries and communicate effectively

Enlist the instructor to prevent this guy from following her!

Friendship triumphs! ✨

A hilarious shitpost that will make you LOL

Learning the hard way: Autistic friend crosses social boundaries

NTA comment sparks controversy over autism and social boundaries

ESH: Time for some tough love and honest communication

Be mindful of social boundaries when communicating with special circumstances.

“YTA- Autistic or not, treat him with respect and communicate.”

Navigating friendship boundaries can be tough

INFO: Have you informed the instructor about the uncomfortable situation?

“YTA. Should have talked first. Last resort if no support.”

YTA. Just talk to him, he’s not an animal