So Susan, What is a mistake people often make about you?

[susandennis]

I am editing this because I was just reminded of THE biggie. In the comments, Laura reminded me.

People often - heck, nearly always, assume I do not understand and have not thought about the ramifications of my sharing publicly such things as my email address, my real name, the details of my life, the live stream of my living room - heck even my phone number (which, by the way, is in the phone book - remember those?). They, mostly people of the male persuasion are quick to send me email, tweets, DMs and I've even had people call me on the phone, to let me know that my information is public. And, they are quick to add that I need to protect myself and guard my privacy.

When I challenge them... Just what danger do you think that info will bring to me? ... they are at a loss. But, will continue with the warning. Often implying and sometimes saying out right that I just don't know what I'm doing.

Trust me. I know. What I'm doing.

Now, this is what I wrote originally:

------------------------------------

I think people often think I'm meaner than I am and just as often think I'm nicer than I am. I don't have a lot of natural empathy but I know that and try to compensate.

But, other than that, I'm not at all sure. I don't get a lot of personal feedback any more since I've retired. I'm not around that many people.

I have read, online, whole conversations about what a horrible person I am. I think they are wrong. I have also read, online, a lot about how what a wonderful person I am. I think they are maybe not quite as wrong.

Comments

[theidolhands.livejournal.com]

Peter S. Beagle — 'It's a rare man who is taken for what he truly is.'

[mixter11nm.livejournal.com]

How could anyone say that you're mean?  You are one of the most generous people I have gotten to know.  You make amazing dolls for children who you will never see. 

Haters gonna hate.  Their loss.

[laura davidson (from livejournal.com)]

This!!

[laura davidson (from livejournal.com)]

I know one! I know one! Depending on your definition of "often", but people assume you don't know the privacy implications of choosing to put what you do on the web.

:P

(Privacy? What's that? I mean, Equifax has pretty much taken out privacy for a lot of people...oy.)

[susandennis]

OMG yes! How could I forget that. Thank you. I just changed the entry!

[daphnep.livejournal.com]

Fascinating, that people think you're horrible. I don't know why, but that intrigues me. I suppose it's because it's such a reminder that people really are so different, and in this world if YOU can "pass" for horrible, then anyone can, at some point. It really does take all kinds to make a world.

But you're really not horrible, and those people are objectively wrong. ;)

[galebird.livejournal.com]

You are always exactly what you put yourself forth to be. There is no bullshit with you, from all online appearances. No facade, no fake nice, and some people just do NOT like that. Some of us appreciate it though. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog for a while now. It's interesting to see a slice of someone else's life.

[underwear-slave.livejournal.com]

You strike me more as a straight shooter, tell it like it is kind of person. I think a lot of people take that to think you are meaner than you are. I don't think you seem like a mean person, unless you are completely different than what you post (and I don't think that's true, your posts seem very genuine).

[lifeinroseland.livejournal.com]

It's been so good to see you share it all. I'm still paranoid about putting my info out there, heck, I'm even paranoid about my address being on my driver's license, but yeah, sometimes I wonder if "the book" still exists & such, like, no one is out to get you! Really. :)

[rsc.livejournal.com]

My guess is that the people who think you're "horrible" are basing it on the fact that you sometimes say things that might be regarded as unkind about people you've encountered or read/heard about. What I notice is that I cannot remember a single instance of your being unkind to someone directly (i.e., to someone you're talking to as opposed to about).

(I'm now vaguely remembering an Ogden Nash poem about how he'd much rather people say nasty things about him behind his back than to his face.)

[shutterbug.livejournal.com]

Your edited piece is what I originally thought you would write about. Lol. That or that your name is very common.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

You're one of a kind!