and how do you deflect prying questions about you and limit these rituals to 2 minutes instead of wasting 30 minutes?
asking as somebody who, if not on the spectrum, is socially awkward, likes solitude, boundaries and to be left alone (to do the job)
I still believe none of your answers is going to help me because neurotypical solutions don’t work for me but I have nothing to lose with this question.
Masking techniques
For prying questions, pick up some evasive answers. The response only has to vaguely imply an answer. Use ‘I’m not sure’ or ‘I don’t know’ where applicable.
To skip chitchat, skip the locations it starts if possible, and just look like you are in a hurry if you can’t avoid them.
Learn the signals for uninterest, like not looking at them, one word/grunted responses, beginning work, etc.
Keep in mind though, the purpose of the ritual is to let people feel good about their time working together. If you negate it, you will not have that positive impression in their minds. They will think of you negatively, which will absolutely cause you other problems. It might be worth spending 15 minutes of ritual as insurance to reduce likelihood of problems later because everyone thinks you are a prick.