The friction arises because neurotypical social glue often relies on subtext, reading between the lines, and subtle social cues. To redesign this, we must move from a culture of "guessing" to a culture of "clarifying." This doesn't mean stripping away kindness or becoming blunt to the point of rudeness. Instead, it involves establishing explicit meta-communication protocols.
Start by treating clarity as a form of politeness. Instead of assuming someone understands your intent through tone alone, state your intent plainly. For example, saying "I am sharing this feedback because I want to help, not to criticize" provides a safety net that allows for directness. This removes the anxiety of decoding hidden meanings.
In professional settings, use standardized frameworks for expectations. When everyone knows exactly what a
