Recently I read through the comments on a post and someone suggested OP should „just read the room“.

I have been told this since I was young and it triggers me every time.

Being unaware of social dynamics in a situation is a thing a lot of autistic people I know struggle with. „Reading the room“ in my understanding means „becoming aware of the unspoken things in a situation“.

Collins dictionary says: If you say that someone reads the room, you mean that they understand their audience and adapt what they say to suit it.

I think, although not on purpose, saying this is massively ableist and making fun of someone for „not reading the room“ is harassment imo.

Feel free to give an opposing opinion as well. I would like to hear them.

  • Deestan@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Read the room / Be more understanding

    • implies you didn’t try
    • judgemental
    • offers no help
    • lazy, knee-jerk reaction

    or

    This is the situation (the situation) / Other people see it like this (other view)

    • presumes unintentional mistake
    • neutral tone
    • informative
    • thoughtful