Masking in Relationships: How Pretending Impacts Neurodivergent Love and Connection

In this emotionally attuned Therapy Inights Tuesday episode of Love on the Autism Spectrum, therapist and neurodivergent coach Barbara (Blaze) Lazarony, LMFT, explores a tender truth in many neurodiverse relationships: masking may feel like survival, but it often comes at the cost of real connection.

Through the fictional—but deeply familiar—story of Harry and Sally, Blaze unpacks how masking begins with safety and admiration, but slowly leads to disconnection. Sally hides her needs to avoid rocking the boat. Harry misreads her silence, unsure how to meet emotions he doesn’t fully understand.

This episode offers a compassionate reframe:

• Masking is not a flaw—it’s a nervous system adaptation
• Disconnection doesn’t mean failure—it means unmet needs
• Authenticity can begin gently, one safe step at a time

With empathy and clarity, Blaze invites you to reflect on your own relationship patterns and begin unmasking where it feels safe. Love doesn’t require pretending. It asks for truth, offered slowly and sincerely.

Includes a reflective Home Play practice to help you begin sharing more of who you really are, without fear.

#LoveOnTheAutismSpectrum #MaskingInLove #UnmaskingAutism #LoveWithoutPretending #NeurodivergentCouples #AuthenticityInRelationships #NDPartnerships #RealYouRealLove #NeurodiverseHealing

Explore more tools, relationship guidance, and weekly blog posts at:

🌐 www.LoveOnTheAutismSpectrum.com

For behind-the-scenes reflections and bonus content, follow along on Instagram:

📸 @BlazeLazarony

✨ Come for the real talk. Stay for the support. You’re not alone here.

**This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health care, diagnosis, or treatment.

Barbara (Blaze) Lazarony, LMFT, is licensed in California. Listening does not create a therapeutic relationship or imply individualized advice.

Any tools or techniques shared are for general education only and do not guarantee results. Participation in educational offerings does not establish a client-therapist relationship.

All client examples are fictional and used solely for illustrative purposes.

If you’re in crisis or experiencing a mental health emergency, call 988 or contact local emergency services.**