So here's a great example of why one should not hit send on email before really reading and considering your first response.
My wife emailed me at lunch asking if I could keep the girls an extra 45 min to an hour tonight as she wanted to see another band playing at the outdoor concert. Evidently 2 of the 3 bands are staff members of the company she works for. The opening band's drummer works at the same company and is a very good friend of mine.
I was a bit put out by her questions "do you mind?" because she wasn't really asking but telling me she was planning on staying later. I only replied "Actually, I do mind". As soon as I hit send I knew it was going to cause a problem. I should have stopped myself.
So fast forward to 5 PM. I hadn't heard back from her on this so I called to see what time I could expect her. She calls back about 1/2 hour later and clearly has attitude about it. "I thought we were going to be flexible with each other." I was friendly and nice and replied, "sorry but I made plans." So she proceeds to tell me she'll be home at 9 PM.
I really wish I had stopped for just one minute. Grr. That said, I bet she was expecting me to go and walk her dog tonight too after I picked up the kids from school. Actually I would have done it if she would have asked nicely. But she didn't ask at all.
If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive. - Mother Theresa
