23 Comments
User's avatar
Lee Newberry Jones's avatar

Oh my goodness this is so eloquent. Thank you.

Samantha Cohn's avatar

Being a neurodivergent as well (and being on the spectrum myself), I cannot THANK you enough!! You just gave me words that make sense to me. The Smush? Had to look away for a moment because I started to see it happening! This is such a gift! I know none of this is actually exciting to know, of course.

It’s simply that validation from another human that I truly am not alone in this kind of world.

For all of your I love you all to us? Well, I think I love you too!!

Have an amazing day.

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

You are so very very welcome. I'll always try to put words to the things that are so hard to define. Knowing they land this way means everything!

Gayle Ellison-Davis's avatar

The Smush ... it had left me for a while, but is back since I am now not taking my stupefying antianxiety meds. I have such a renewed clarity, but with it comes, The Smush. Perfect explanation of the feeling of crowds, and sometimes even just one person! Have you ever seen the movie Unbreakable? There is a scene in it where the character is in a crowd and people all around him are telling him 'stories' he hears them all. It's an astounding visual of how The Smush feels for me. ... And knowing things. I keep my mouth shut most of the time because I can't document any sound science behind what comes out.

I think of my brother and nephew who are autistic and glad that they have a Weef [mother and wife]. Thank you for the words. It runs in families. I'm more affected than I thought.

I hold you in that timeless weighted time. I love you. Always take care, and hug the Weef for me for giving you the base of your triangle/pyramid.

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

I HAVE seen the movie, and I DO feel it! What a perfect way to describe it for someone who might not! Thank you for all your care, always.

Lisa Hedley's avatar

Tyler, while I can't relate to all of this, I can relate to way more than you might realize. As an INFJ-A (the rarest personality type according to Myers-Briggs) empath, I process information and energy in ways that most people will never understand. So trust me when I say, my heart aches for the measure of exhaustion you must feel at processing the world so acutely. But, as such a devoted admirer of your work, I feel grateful that you can transform your experiences in ways that create beauty and joy for others. ❤️

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

It does not surprise me AT ALL that you relate, and you understand. Truly. This compliment means so much, as you're right on the money...the exhaustion never stops.

Kevin's avatar
Jun 5Edited

This was well thought out and written. You are in good standing with many writers who make up words. William Shakespeare is famous for essentially inventing hundreds of new words in the English language (like eyeball, gossip, and bedazzled) simply by smashing words together, adding prefixes, or turning nouns into verbs. And most certainly , one of my favorites: Mark Twain, who wrote, “I like the use of words, and I like the way they are put together. And I like to make a word when there isn't one." Lol

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

I've always made up words, and my favorite still is "Lullabylictic." :)

pickingplumeria's avatar

As an NT, I appreciate this list and the vocabulary you've created, because it helps me to better understand the workings of some of the fabulous minds within my circle. As an empathic, deeply feeling introvert, The Smush is a very apt term that resonates with me, too, even though I'm not autistic.

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

I love this, and love that you're so keen to truly understand. You're amazing.

Kit Williams's avatar

Yes!!!! YES!!!!!!! The Smush is so real and so awful. Most people have no idea how much effort goes into pretending you’re okay and acting like you’re enjoying yourself in these situations.

I experienced a new one last night which I shall call Dispair - the disappointed despair when my version of your GBW (weef) crowded into me in a small space (playfully) and I was triggered by it, by him - my safe space, my anchor. Disappointing, Despairing.

Kit Williams's avatar

PS I like the new logos / branding very much.

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

Ahhh I am so glad!!

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

The Smush affects me so much more than I ever want it to hahaha. It's the work of life, pretending to be ok. And YES! Add DisPair to the list officially!

Amy Iov's avatar

Love this explanation and it makes complete sense- plus shows how strong you are

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

:) Look who is talking! Strength abounds here :)

Mara's avatar

I am not sure I have ever related to something so closely. Thank you for always sharing your purest self through your words.

The Smush is so fucking real.

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

It's the very least I can do. The Smush. Ugh. The f'ing Smush.

Amber's avatar

Oh my goodness! I feel so seen! Thank you 💕

Tyler Knott Gregson's avatar

Thank YOU! Knowing someone else agrees is HUGE. For reals.

Taylor Juarez's avatar

This is brilliant! I love these. I find myself relating to some of them for sure.