06.16.00

Yeah, I'm still sick. The Slug says I sound like I'm getting better. I certainly hope so. I feel like shit.

Today's rant is on the subject of interpersonal communication. As in, learn to actually get people to understand you, people. Or don't be surprised when they consistently take the wrong meaning of everything you say/write.

Granted, I'm guilty of this, too, but I try really hard to keep everything crystal clear. (At least, in forums *other* than this one. THIS is for more-or-less stream of consciousness crap.) This means, of course, picking your words with the utmost caution, using LOTS of emoticons and *grin* things, and tags.

It also means (at least, so people will take you seriously) watching your grammar and proof-reading. (Ok, I don't proof as often as I should. But you should do it. So should I.) No SeAsAw TyPiNg, As It Is TrUlY aNnOyInG. And try putting blank lines between your paragraphs. Really.

That all goes for the written word, at least, for newsgroups and mailing lists. I've seen too many flamewars erupt because someone took someone else the wrong way. I'm heartily sick of it.

As for the spoken word, it's much easier not to be misinterpreted, since body language, and vocal stresses are so important to us. But if you don't *say* anything, nobody will know. I didn't even know that the Slug had job interviews until he mentioned that he'd been on -several- yesterday. I live with this person. I also didn't know that he had an eye appointment until yesterday. Hah! He knows just about everything that goes on in my life, but that's because a) I don't do much, and b) I tell him things.

It's the story of my life. Everyone assumes that I'm a mind reader. I've gone on week-long vacations with all of three days notice, because someone forget to tell me we were going. My family is the worst of all, of course. It's sort of a joke these days.

One of these days, I'm either going to have to learn to be a mind reader, or at least, start nosing about in people's stuff, so I know what the hell is going on in the lives of those I love.