Open Mouth, Insert Foot
Dammit. One thing I pride myself on is my issues – I have a few social issues or concerns that really get me going, both in positive and negative ways, and I tend to be vocal about them. However, one of my biggest downfalls is the WAY I am vocal.

I often forget that typed words on a blog or instant message sometimes carry a different tone than the one I intend. Though I am always assertive about my opinions and strong in my stances, I never want to offend others, whether on gay rights, abortion, or teacher’s salaries. But assertiveness can sound like aggressiveness in the silent speak of Internet communication, and blunt opinion, however amiably intentioned, sounds like a curt chastisement.

The thing is that I like being straightforward, and I like challenging people to take a second look at things. This is why I loved writing OpEds in college, and why I love reading Daniel’s and Lucas’ blogs. Because though we might disagree, we have really engaging, sometimes verbally powerful, arguments which we put up against one another. At the end of the day, however, we’re still friends, on good terms. The great thing with OpEds is that the stronger stance you take, the better your piece turns out, and I guess I really loved stirring that up. Throwing words and challenges to people gets them engaged in the debate, if not verbally, than mentally and emotionally.

But, people don’t always take that well, especially if it seems personal. And regardless of my training, regardless of my zest for words and discourse, I have to keep myself in check and learn to think before I react. The worst part about it is not what might have offended a stranger, but what might have, as a result, insulted his friend who posted the original message that sparked my reaction. Anyway, to both of them I apologize and endeavor to be better next time.