Socializing Problems

32M, recently diagnosed with Autism. While my diagnosis has made me aware of a lot of things such as sensory, dietary/health related issues and behavioral issues, I find myself more present and ultimately relieved that I can actively work on these things and actually take care of myself now. I have a stronger awareness of boundaries, what my body and mind need, what I want out of life etc but one very large facet that remains problematic is socializing.

I realized that I play so many characters and social settings for me become exhausting games that I have to play in order to fit in, while I try to umask and exist in social dynamics unmasked, this ultimately makes me incredibly self conscious, I genuinely feel like an alien in these moments and I can sense when the other person thats with me is getting uncomfortable, which in turn makes me more uncomfortable and super awkward.

I would really like to hear about how you guys navigate social spaces and how you make it easier for others while maintaining your true self