Reading People

Given the many misunderstandings in the Survivalists Boards combined with what I took to be odd statements about me in The Acorn Cafe (another Internet forum), a few miscommunications in this forum, and conflicts and arguments in the physical world, I have to ask myself if I'm the one who is unable to read people. If this assumption is correct (I cannot trust my judgment), I'm in a dangerous position.

Be honest. In all the years you have known me, have I exhibited questionable judgment or the inability to understand what a person is communicating to me?

Set aside that one incident in which one member (I forgot who) had to tell me several times I should get twelve rolls of CoFlex. I'm already aware that I needed a clue-by-four upside my head in that situation.

Jeanette Isabelle

Think the facts speak for themselves. People DO discuss things with you. They wouldn't if it was a waste of time.
Qjs

Having an awareness that there may be a 'blind spot' is always a good thing I believe. I know that I've been misunderstood on several occasions on-line, in email and even in person.

The key, which I think you have discovered, is to be aware that it may or could happen so you can guard against it and if in doubt work on clarifying the exchange.

I've always enjoyed your insight and comments - sometimes they were a way of looking at something I had not considered and that was/is helpful. As the saying goes (sort of) Stuff Happens!

I am a professional communicator; I make my daily bread as a cybersecurity sales engineer. I am paid to communicate complex technology concepts very clearly to both technical and non-technical people. I am also paid to be very attentive to people's understanding, interest, and so on. I've taken quite a bit of formal training in this area.

One of the coolest things about this work is that single day is a learning experience. I am always learning more about communication, both from my successes and my mistakes.

I can't say that you've never made mistakes -- that would be silly, we all have. But I think you've exhibited self-awareness and recognition that you (like all of us!) can always do better. That speaks well of you.

Thank you.

Jeanette Isabelle

People here aren't going to make you feel bad, especially not publicly. The responses above tactfully highlight the importance of self-awareness, and I feel that's because most of us can't pretend to know the answer because we don't know you in real life. Responsible people can't say much more than that.

I have noticed that you have some sort of difficulty from time to time. It seems to come and go, and it's gotta affect your quality of life. It is not communication. It is not questionable judgment, either. (Some of the stuff you prepare for might indicate "questionable judgment" from my perspective, but I think you're talking about judgment when interacting with people.) But these days people talk about communication because they can't always tackle what's underneath communication. I'd urge you to look for the source of the problem, perhaps with the help of experts in real life. I wish you well. Good luck.

But you don't know what that could be? Any information is helpful, and I know I need to be aware. Thank you.

Jeanette Isabelle