Character Connection (1)
This week I’m going to focus on three characters. Ones I was really drawn to and the reason that I think was behind it.
Today I’m going to start with Sheldon, because I was drawn to him very strongly. Whereas other autistic people can feel differently about the character. Personally Raj and Sheldon were the two characters in The Big Bang Theory that stood out. Raj because of his inability to speak at times he felt high pressure or anxiety. However I think there is a deeper reason I was drawn to Sheldon.
What if the reason is that I saw a reflection of myself that I rarely saw. What if Sheldon is an adult, demisexual, male character.
Where I differ from Sheldon is that I did want that connection. I did want a relationship and love, but didn’t know how to find it. I do feel really lucky that I found Jennie, she feels like exactly who I was always looking for. I didn’t go on many dates and often I felt the isolation too strongly. In truth dating just confused me more than anything. I didn’t set out to meet my wife, but I did need to find her and her love.
However, a lot of things were very similar to Sheldon. He didn’t get sexual references, finds physical contact uncomfortable. He was also sure a blind date wouldn’t work because she didn’t know him. He felt connected to Amy very quickly, just enjoying her company. When they were intimate it was an adjustment for him but one he was happy to make for her. He didn’t desire that but when he fell in love he knew it. He could feel it. He got married and had children. He went from no real relationship experience to falling in love and having a family.
I think that’s why I have such a soft spot for his character. Because I don’t remember ever seeing another character on TV or film that mirrored that side of me, before or since.
All our best and love
Ross Fraser and Jeni Curtis
Mylifeautistic
Words – Ross Fraser
Graphic Design App – Canva
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