im like you where i become so caught up in the image in my head that i lose track of my surroundings

when engaging in small talk i make eye contact and have been told im very easy to talk to

when discussing something im interested in, i stare into the distance and start waving my hands around gesturing at the diagrams im describing. its to the degree where my managers prefer i not meet with one specific customer who commented on this

at my first job my coworkers pointed out that i stare directly up to the ceiling for a period of time, then will type furiously, and repeat. id never known that was different before. assumed everyone constructed their ideas mentally before getting it down on paper

im reminded of my high school AP physics teacher who would close her eyes while lecturing because i assume she was picturing things. the funniest students knew how to get some physical comedy into those windows of obliviousness

when it comes to aphantasia it reminds me of Stan in South Park: "I get it now! I don't get it!" the best i can do be nice and accommodating and acknowledge i simply cant relate