i think your problem is...

one of the greatest gifts in life, in my opinion, is to see yourself through someone else's eyes.  it is a valuable learning opportunity for continued self improvement and growth, even if you don't agree with what the sharer has to say.  the challenge is to take that information graciously.

this morning i got to hear many unpleasant things about myself from the eyes of another human.  most of what was said i didn't agree with and don't look at myself that way, but i always listen and soak it in.  unfortunately i think this human's unease stems more from miscommunication and misinterpretation rather than the words that were actually exchanged.

the conversation that transpired this morning happened all via text.  i am a huge texter, but there are some conversations that simply need to happen with your voice.  texting leaves too many variables; tone, left out words, misspelled words, interpretation, inference, and a whole host of others.

nothing good is going to come from  i think your problem is... when a conversation is started this way, the receiver of the message is automatically in defensive mode.  being able to stay focused on the situation and not fire back well i think your problem is... is a skill that is hard to master.  those of you who know me well, know that i choose my words very carefully.  i rarely attack someone's character unless you really deserve it.  i try very hard to accept someone's position even if it is hurtful because we are all entitled to our own opinions and perceptions. 

in addition to choosing my words carefully, i say what i mean.  if i am uncomfortable with someone or a situation i am going to ask questions.  if you tell me everything is okay, then i can't be held responsible for the discomfort.  if i am over the moon happy, i will tell you.  if i am unhappy with something i will tell you that too.  what is the point of shrouding how you are really feeling?  those feelings, positive and negative alike, build and morph eventually finding an escape route. 

so i want to say thank you to the human who shared their opinion of me this morning.  i wish that there would've been a verbal discussion so meaning and intent wouldn't have been lost through a text message.