Let’s dive into a topic that’s as common as my collection of shiny rocks: feelings! Yes, those sparkly little things that can turn us into either a puddle of mush or a tornado of rage, depending on the day (or hour, or minute).
Ever notice how some ads just make you feel…well, something?
Maybe it’s excitement or curiosity, or even a smidge of guilt. That’s the magic of marketing—it’s crafted to touch us? But if you’re like me—neurodivergent, often finding small talk baffling, and struggling to string together “normal” feelings like a game of emotional charades—this world of selling emotions and stories can feel, more of something.
Why? Because as much as marketing depends on feelings, they’re not always easy to reach or convey. For those of us on the autism spectrum, feelings don’t always come naturally. I can analyze an interaction from every logical angle, yet my brain often skips the whole “how am I supposed to feel about this?” part.
So, how do we tackle this?
Feelings: The Silent Puppeteers of Our Lives
Whether it’s joy, sadness, anxiety, or pure unadulterated excitement over your anthropomorphic animal paintings, feelings influence our decisions, our reactions, and sometimes even our choice of snack.
For those of us on the autism spectrum, emotions can sometimes feel like they’re cranked up to eleven. It’s like having a high-definition TV where every emotion is in full color while everyone else is watching in black and white. A slight change in the environment can trigger feelings that might seem disproportionate.
I mean, who hasn’t had a full-on meltdown because someone moved your ear buds (after you were super proud to have remembered where they were in the first place)?
Just me? Okay, cool.
Emotional Expression and the Spectrum
Expressing emotions can also be a bit tricky for many autistics. While some may be wonderfully expressive, others might feel like they’re stuck in a game of charades with a bunch of mimes. The “normal” ways to show emotions might not come naturally, leading to some awkward situations.
Not unlike that time I wondered why my teachers were asking me color names when they clearly should have been able to identify the difference between “red” and “blue” themselves.
But here’s the kicker: even if we’re not expressing our emotions in traditional ways, they’re still there, bubbling under the surface like a soda can that’s been shaken up. Honestly, I’ve been a very bubbly soda can that’s been pretending to be flat… I imagine that would make for a good picture, but I doubt ChatGPT would be able to generate it?
Emotional Headlines: The SEO Secret Sauce
Now, let’s switch gears and talk about something a little more business-like: SEO. You know that magical art of getting your blog post seen by actual humans instead of being buried under a mountain of cat videos and conspiracy theories.
One golden rule in the SEO world is that emotional headlines grab attention faster than a cat chasing a laser pointer. Why? Because people connect with emotions.
I’ve been masking, but I’m learning to lean into the quirks of how I genuinely experience things. I play up curiosity, experiment with humor, and use honesty as a hook—because there’s nothing like a splash of realness in a world full of platitudes.
In marketing (and even casual conversations), it’s OK if I can’t just “feel” on command. I take what would otherwise be “naughty” or unconventional approaches to connect with others. And, hey, maybe this approach will feel just right to someone else out there, too.
In conclusion, emotions are to people as laser pointers are to cats.
