
Originally Posted by
DavidH
What a neat topic. My son is an EII.
I recall a time when we were fishing and he asked me in sincerity what I always think about. I found it to be an odd question out of the blue. But then I thought it more odd that I never thought to wonder what other think about. I told him that I think about things to do around the house and ways I can accomplish those things and similarly for work. He was quiet for a while and then asked if it was pictures or words. I told him I hadn't thought of such before but that it was mostly pictures. After being quiet for longer he said that he only ever thinks about people. I asked him what he meant. He said that he thinks about things that have happened and about people who were upset or not happy. He was quiet and then continued that he talks to himself constantly. He continued that he has conversations with people in his own head. He has the same conversation in different ways with different things said between the people. I asked him how long he has these conversations for. He said until things are better. I asked what if they are not better. He said that he keeps having them. I asked him when does he get tired of it if he doesn't find an answer. He said he doesn't remember. I asked how long is the longest conversation he ever had. He said the entire time and was quiet. I didn't ask him any more questions.
It occurred to me after this that he was afraid but had no fear. What he does he always does but it never does seem to be about him. And I thought about our conversation. And I thought about how it must be to spend so long in arguments inside his own head to make other people happy.
Someone mentioned stating that EIIs enjoy knowing they make a difference. I don't think anyone will ever know the difference my son makes on a day to day basis. After that conversation I wonder every time he speaks how much time he has spent on those words and if that conversation will ever really end. With so many things to value I wonder if anyone even knows the value he brings. When he is around people are better and the world shines brighter. I do not know if anyone else notices this or not.
I also know that he has a keepsake box full of the most trivial things that people have given him. A picture of a plate would not surprise me. When someone is kind to him I think he will always remember it.