As I explore my past in the realization of my diagnosis, and have an adjusted world view, it's incredible how many relationships in my life have been transactional. Essentially, people who want or need something from me, and as soon as they get it, I'm ghosted. It can be professional or personal advice, support during their hard time, helping them learn some new skill, etc. But I have found repeatedly that so many of these so-called friendships wind up going on a shelf or collecting dust as soon as the person gets what they want.

It makes me sick but I don't see any end to it. Is this just a neurotypical trait by and large or do we as autistic people get targeted specifically and viewed as disposable?