I (28M) am a medical resident, so I barely have time to sleep, let alone date. My friends (also in med school) have been pushing me to go out more, insisting that I need a break from the grind. A few weeks ago, they set me up on a blind date. They wouldn’t stop talking about how “perfect” this girl was for me, so I thought, why not?

I met Emily (26F Fake name) at the restaurant, and right away, I could tell she wasn’t what my friends probably expected me to go for. Emily’s not super skinny—in fact, she’s a little chubby—but honestly, I thought she was really cute. She had this amazing smile, and the way she laughed just made me want to keep the conversation going. She’s studying geology, and she was so passionate about her work, talking about volcanic rock formations like it was the coolest thing ever (and by the end of the night, I agreed, it was a lot more fun to talk about than cadavers).

The best part was how comfortable the date felt. We both found out we’re autistic, both late diagnosed, and we mask a lot—meaning we’re used to putting on a social “act” to fit in. But with each other, it felt like we didn’t have to pretend so much, and that made the whole evening feel easy. It wasn’t like most dates where you’re constantly trying to impress the other person. We just clicked.

Physically, Emily wasn’t the type my friends thought I’d be into, but I didn’t care at all. She’s sweet, funny, and I had an amazing time with her. By the end of the night, we exchanged numbers, and we’ve been texting pretty regularly since.

A few days later, though, I got a really sad message from Emily. Turns out, my friends told her that they set us up as a prank. That they set me up with her because they thought she wasn’t “my type” and that they picked her specifically because she’s chubby and not what they’d call “conventionally attractive,” thinking it would be funny to see how I’d react. Emily was obviously hurt and texted me, apologizing if she wasn’t what I expected. She said she understood if I didn’t want to talk to her anymore. She was wrong. I think she's beautiful. Body and spirit. To be honest, she's my new type.

I was furious when I found out what my friends had done. I immediately apologized to Emily, telling her my friends were idiots and that I genuinely enjoyed our date. I reassured her I wasn’t texting her out of pity and that I thought she was awesome. After we talked it out, I asked her if she’d like to go on another date just the two of us, with no pranks or games this time. She said yes.

Now, my friends are pissed at me. They’re saying I ruined the joke and that I’m being “weird” by asking her out again. They’re acting like the whole thing was just harmless fun and can’t believe I’m going on a second date with someone who, to them, was supposed to be the punchline. They even joked that I’m only doing it because I feel bad, but that’s not it at all. I actually like Emily. I’m looking forward to seeing her again, and I don’t see why I should let their prank dictate how I feel.

So now I’m getting all this backlash, and my friends think I’m the asshole for continuing to see her. I'm so confused. They keep saying it's my autism and that I just don't get it. AITA?

What game really kicks off once you get to what looks like the end game?

Edit 2: Jesus guys thank you so much for all the words. I’m gonna try to read them all over the day and take what I can in to make her life easier and more enjoyable

I just adopted a 7 year old cat last week. I have so many questions and this is such a wild experience.

First of all, I love this fucking thing and if you’re reading this I’d kill you to save her life if I had to, no idea I’d feel that way.

Second, she has an entire room of hers with all sorts of goodies. Toys and boxes and a tree and a water fountain and food and little tunnels and all sorts. Some reason she chooses to lay in my bed and drink from the toilet if I don’t catch her.

Third, she won’t eat the daily amount of food unless I carry her to the food and watch her eat it. She has not liked any treat or wet food I’ve offered, I’ve spent like $100 buying small packs of stuff. I’ll happily spend 1000 if that’s what it takes to get her food she likes due to point number 1.

Fourth, she will not use her scratching posts. I have two posts and a scratch flat cardboard thing but she chooses to completely scratch the fuck out of my couch.

Fifth, she simultaneously seems to be so comfortable and feel safe with me while also being scared of me. When I’m in bed or gaming at night she will scoot right up next to be and roll to her back and fall asleep touching me. She had to have contact with me. If I scoot she scoots with me. However if I stand up or walk around getting ready, she’s scared of me and retreats.

Sixth, she makes lots of biscuits on any blanket she steps on I hope that’s healthy behavior.

Seventh, she meows a tiny bit if I touch her when she wasn’t expecting it. Idk if this is a hello or a fuck off.

Eighth, she comes up to me a lot and I go to pet her head and she flinches away, but then when I pull my hand back she nudges her head into my hand demanding pets. If I stop pets and then go to pet again, she flinches again and repeats. She also has no problem with belly rubs when she rolls over next to me, I had always heard this activated attack mode.

Ninth, if I pick her up she doesn’t like it. I’ve watched the videos on like how to do it the best way but she wiggles. But picking her up is the only way to get her to eat because I have to sit her down next to her food.

Any advice helps please thank you this is new to me.

Edit: she also does not play. I have tried the rods, catnip toys, little dangly things, and basically anything you find on a pet isle. She will occasionally trot around trying to catch a laser. But it’s short lived until she loses interest. I rescued her from the pound. She was brought in with fleas and had “anxiety”. I’m not sure what she went through before she found me.

Just to get under Elon’s skin?