“O, wad some Power the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us!
It wad frae monie a blunder free us,
An' foolish notion.”

Robert Burns

Great post. I leaned a lot about some people and I feel a bit closer to them for that. Especially DJVJ311. His sincerity removes some of the roughness I've always felt when listening to his comments. Thanks silver.

I am easy to read but hard to understand. There are all those layers underneath. The undercurrent changes direction with the temperature above. But not as expected. Recalculations needed. Not my fault. I am an Ocean not an island. I am a sailor after all.

I've asked people to give their honest opinion of me, my personality, etc., to get an outside perspective. But I don't know how insightful it really was. I might be too hard on myself, or maybe not hard enough. {shrug}

I know I see myself one way, but that others may see me differently. For example, I feel like I'm a very open, non-judgemental person and that others should feel comfortable telling me anything. I'm often surprised to find out otherwise. I think where it goes wrong is that I am also strong and passionate about certain things and that that may come across as rigid and unbending. I question my thoughts and actions often and when I am wrong or think I'm wrong, I will own up to it. I don't have clue how I should compensate. Suggestions? Be kind, lol.

you'ii never know truly how you are received by others

Years ago, I arrived at the conclusion that there are some things you are too close to to judge. I invite my friends to tell me I'm too close, like it's a safe word. They can tell me whatever they want about a situation and I will not be mad at them. I think that is the most important thing. I still struggle and often fail to take their advice, but at least I have the first step down

Maybe occasionally ask a trusted friend for confirmation-I now ask my new roommate who is becoming a good sounding board. Just had an ourburst from my 22 year old who I asked for three days to check the propane tank and she finally trudged out there in over a foot of snow and ice. Kathy agreed we don't want to freeze to death.

Let's see... I'm a lazy old man that thinks he can cook. Did I get it right?