I have found that leaning heavily on written communication has actually hamstrung me, somewhat, verbally--in that I frequently pause too long when I'm trying to find the perfect words (so that people jump in and finish my sentences for me--gahh!) and I tend to repeat myself, as if I could erase my spoken words and rewrite them as I think up better ways to express myself. I can't help thinking like a writer when I speak, I guess. I suppose this makes me seem dull, slow, and unsure of myself to most. Whatever. Anyone who can't tell I'm thinking very carefully about what I'm saying is not someone I care to get close to.

@stinkeye_a and anyone who finishes sentences for you is rude. Stuttering is the same--wait patiently for the person to finish.

@VictoriaNotes As long as I’m aware of it.. My last meeting was work related, so I made an effort to ..engage a bit more. I think it worked. Also, if not mostly, I’m a long way from home… Nearing 2 years in a small town 3K from my previous home in Oregon.. Self inflicted, but that can still hurt

@Akfishlady The town I’m in is kinda tiny, too. It’s a little tourist mecca, with prices to match.. And the affordable bars are filled with guys I’d best not practice my Atheism on It’s been lonely, and cold! I’d considered ‘wintering with relatives’ back in Oregon, but couldn’t think of any, or a combination of I take for ..months ~

@Akfishlady A small tourist town on Virginia’s Blue Ridge Plateau… Honestly, I’ve fallen in love with it, and there are all kinds of ..do-gooder organizations to hang with. I’ve met some wonderful folks and definite friends … but I think it’s the ‘alone time’ that gets to me.. I can be walking alone, spot a Queen Anne’s Lace ..be instantly transported to the coastal foothills of Oregon, and fight back tears. Gurrrrr ~

I work in corrections so anything that can be taken as a weakness (I.E. timidness,soft spoken, overly self-conscious) and the population will get out of hand. Not following policies set forth for them. So I guess the duel system is really just a mask I throw on when the door locks behind me. I'm usually working between 50-80/1 so the idea of control is constantly presented. <side note this is rewrite 2 lol>

@Myranta I work out with a bunch of corrections guys at Gold's Gym. I have become friends with many of them. So i know what your work culture is all about. You actually need a dual system due to your occupation. You are dealing with different types of thinking (primitive verses contemplative). I respect you a lot because of the dangers you face daily. I wouldn't worry about your comfort level on this site. From what I can tell in the short time I've been here we are an inquisitive and supportive community. I average 2 rewrites per post or comment. 1 for spelling (wish they added autocorrect) and the other for coherency. Welcome and please share your unique perspective. For example I am curious if you noticed how many inmates become religious while incarcerated?

It's hard to put a % on jailhouse jesus but it was probably one of the things I noticed not long into my career. But the number would be quite high.

@Myranta I guess its the same everywhere. They even call it jailhouse jesus here too.I bet you have seen some things too. My buddy's at county have told me about a few things but mostly it's on the DL.

Seen enough to feel more sorry for the ones we call bleeding hearts than angry at them for being angry at us.

@Myranta No doubt! But you got to keep a lid on it. You're the one that gets to go home after a shift. That's all in your control! Are you working your way up the chain?

Slowly. I watch the chain and haven't decided if the headache is worth it. Although many of my coworkers push me to go for stripes and say they would gladly work under my command.

@Myranta I've got buddies at various levels in corrections. It's kind of a dog eat dog journey in every profession i guess. I put 25 in DOD related work until i retired. I was also a musician my whole life. It's a hobby that turned into a profession. That's what i do now. I own a recording studio and I perform when I want to.

@irascible as you guys already seen at times I snap back at times because is my nature. No harm intended. This is a playground, everything goes but there was no bully in my 60's elementary school playground safe from a filled with stones metal lunchbox hard over the head. I never showed any fear of ending in the principal office. Or afraid of size. Hell, you fight a big guy, no little guy will ever think that it can take you. And yet after all those years you won't find a more gentler man. It is just that you will never get to see the other cheek. Navy uses a shot across the bow approach in every confrontation. Is the only warning they are going to get. At times my only problem is a blanket statement without provision of layers. Like the scientist that told me once everything I throw in the air will hit the floor, is a proven fact. He threw the ball in the air... I catched the damn ball. Put it in my pocket and walked away from the room. I could hear him screaming you interrupted the experiment. I yelled back it is cause and effect Idiot and it is now my ball.

@atheist he still wants his ball back... I have no idea where it is. Wonder if he cries at night for the ball not hitting the floor.