One of the new things I've encountered here in Oregon, is the large volume of "sign flyers." In Michigan we called them homeless or, worse yet, beggars. They are men, women, young and old that sit or stand at popular entrances to stores and shops.
Almost everyone carries a sign: "Anything will help", "Spare change", "Dying of cancer", "Hungry Need Food", or something similar. The same individuals occupy the same spots, for the most part.
The Post Office has two entrances. It's the most popular sign flying space in town as both entrances are usually covered.
I'm far from prejudice or judgemental but I'm having anxiety navigating through the sign flyers. Each and every individual is an unknown variable in my autistic world, thus they scare me and I try and avoid. I never know if someone will speak to me, ask a question, offer small talk or let me pass wordlessly on my way.
I've changed plans a number of times, to avoid possible conversations, altercations, or discomfort. There is no way to fix my anxiety except by avoidance.
I'm a really good recluse and I have damn good reasons.
Strangers make me nervous, especially strangers at doorways. Unpredictable variables, sigh.
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