Blunt?

I have really run out of ways to avoid my paper. So many that I am writing in my blog instead. I know, right? Crazy.

Over the years I've had many people tell me that I'm blunt, that I "tell it like it is," that I'm really honest. They say they like that about me, but it always takes me by surprise. I do an enormous amount of filtering before I say things. If people think I'm honest, even to the point of making people uncomfortable, they should hear what goes on in my mind! Which isn't to say I'm a negative person- I'm really not. I just notice and analyze things. It's how my brain works. I like to think about how things could be improved. I like to think critically about things and people. And I don't have a problem sharing it with people, even if it risks alienation. I don't see the point in agreeing with people to fit in. Why should I have to say I enjoyed a recital that I didn't enjoy? Why should I pretend I like someone? And it's one of those things where people only notice when it's negative, or at least only keep track of those. I very often express appreciation for things, but I guess that isn't controversial, so no one remembers.

It doesn't bother me that people think this, other than I certainly don't like it when I hurt people's feelings. It's hard to find a balance of honesty and tact. But I think a lot of problems could be solved more quickly and with less heartache if people were just honest.

It is interesting that even polite ways of expressing dislike such as "I didn't care for it" or "it's not for me" still make people uncomfortable. Do people really need that validation? If you truly like something, just like it. We shouldn't have to justify it and shouldn't be threatened when others don't agree.

This probably came off as terribly blunt and or mean and or hateful or whatever. But it's how I feel, and I'll stand by it.