Have you ever caught yourself rehearsing your 'acceptable' self before walking into a room full of strangers? You know — slapping on that thin, artificial smile, smoothing out every quirk for the comfort of everyone else, and realizing you’re running a (very professional) version of a one-person Broadway show called, “Make Me Palatable”? Hi, I’m Lauren Howard (People call me "L2"), and this week on " Different, Not Broken" , we’re pressing record on a conversation most of us never have out loud: Do you find yourself needing to wear a mask? In this episode, I admit something that surprised even me: I almost never have to mask anymore. Freedom, right? But — plot twist — it turns out that’s not because I’m some brave authenticity unicorn. So, what happens when a self-declared, professional non-masker lands in the exact kind of 'grown-up' cocktail hour her younger self would’ve run from? Let’s just say it involves neurodivergent pre-planning, existential dread, and exactly zero interest in “introducing myself to some stranger just because that’s what adults do.” If you’ve ever felt like the real you is just a bit too much (or not enough) for the room, this one’s for you. (P.S. If you find a secret trick for ordering drinks like a normal adult at a work party, please message me. For science.) Useful links Join our Patreon community - https://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/patreon Sign up for our updates - http://differentnotbrokenpodcast.com/newsletter Timestamped summary 00:00 Selective Social Engagement 05:04 "Fashionably Late Party Entrance" 09:24 First Impressions Evolve Quickly 10:57 "Obligations and Friendship Dynamics" 15:16 Ending Calls Unconventionally 17:06 "Ending Conversations Simply" Mentioned in this episode: Wanna learn to write like me? Here's how you can! Writing Course
