When the first thing you say to someone who challenges your previous comment is “read carefully”, it comes across as dismissive and condescending. You’re implying that we haven’t cared enough to try and understand what you’ve posted. But we do understand, we just disagree. Maybe drop that phrase and ask why we came to that conclusion, or if you’re not interested in our POV, simply say “I hadn’t thought about it from that angle”.
Empathy.
Roger, Scout. But I am a bit touchy about this now. If I reply to someone else's comment about sex, the ire comes at me, not at the one who originally made it! Also, I did not imply what Steve said. I even qualified my comment! I was asking for perspective. So, please, empathy (and careful reading) both ways? To me, high EQ would be carefully considering my words, not jumping all over them without careful deliberation.
Also, there are those who only weigh in here when they can find something to criticize. Can I request empathy from them as well? Maybe a positive or affirming comment once in awhile? Surely empathy runs in both directions?
