Coworker found out about my obsessional interest

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So I've been working at my current job for 4 1/2 years and I've managed to keep my obsessional interest in genealogy rather quiet, though not from everyone I work with. One coworker just found out however. I'm unsure how to proceed. He said today he was surprised to find out I was a "insert job title" by day and a genealogist by night. But he seemed very supportive and seemed to find it interesting. However I worry that he may think I have grandiose ideas about colonial ancestry (I do not, and quite honestly I have very very little of it anyway). I think this though b/c truthfully it seems it's a common thought that you're tracing your roots to connect to the Pilgrims.

Anyway my bigger concern is that I think he said the day/night thing because I think he googled my name + genealogy and trust me when you do I light up like a firecracker on it! I have several blogs, my twitter account, and many, many posts all over the internet. I know I should not feel so exposed, but the truth is I do. I worry about being judged. Even though he said he found it interesting I worry that he'll notice all of this and realize how obsessed I truly am with this subject and that's what truly worries me. I think I'm just being paranoid, but it really feels like an invasion for some reason.

I will end by saying nobody at work knows that I believe I have Aspergers. Although they know I'm quirky so perhaps they have guessed I don't know.

My friend, what is the problem here? Your coworker has discovered that you spend your spare time doing something entirely moral, constructive and quite fascinating. In fact, it's something to be proud of.

Sometimes, yes, we Aspies don't want anyone to see what we are doing because ... that's just how we are. But there are others in the world who are good people who honestly appreciate our interests. I think you're fine.

Unless I am missing something here?

No, nothing missing just that I get rather self-conscious about people learning I have a rather deep obsession with something most people my age do not seem to care about. Thank you for making me realize I am being too paranoid here regarding this I felt like I was, but it's sort of that part of me I don't show many people which makes me feel very exposed when someone finds out.

I understand. My special interests are very private to me, too. But in time you'll see that sharing them with people isn't really that frightening. Many people are actually interested.

I wouldn't worry about it. Basically everyone I know knows my greatest special interest (animals). Just because they know you like something doesn't mean they know you are an aspie. If you don't bring your special interest up at work again and he will likely eventually forget about it anyways. Even "normal" people usually have (a) subject(s) they really like. Just act like one of them (that you have an area you like but are not obsessed with it). Also, if you are worried about people searching you be careful about what you post and using your real name. It's probably a little late now though. Just realize that for future reference.

It's your personal and work lives coming into contact with each other, but you may find that it can be beneficial.

I personally wouldn't be worried. If anyone asks just tell them it's a hobby that you really enjoy.

Possibly you have experienced telling someone about your special interest in the past and them being bored or rude, and have therefore become protective. It is hurtful if someone is mean about something that means a lot to you.

I used to spend a lot of time in the labs when I was a kid and sometimes other kids would come in and make fun of me. That was not so nice.

Now you're an adult that sort of stuff is unlikely to happen though. Geneology is cool.

I don't want to be dismissive to suggest you shouldn't feel bothered by it but it's not like he found out you have a teddy bear fetish. A lot of people have interests, intense interests, even. I don't like the idea of people Googling me, either, so I understand how that might creep you out. I'm also into genealogy and ancestry, there are many people who are but I usually don't use my real name on the internet whenever possible (obviously, I list my family names), so yeah, I kind of see where you're coming from as far as privacy concerns. But, actually, I don't think I know anyone who is only casually into genealogy. lol