Twitter Misunderstandings and Fixing Them
As I go through the loss of my marriage, I’m tending to lean into pain rather than turn from it. Based on what my wife says, I hurt people’s feelings on twitter during the last election. I’m sensitive about that now and hold back what I share on Twitter, Facebook and my blog out of respect for her desire for privacy and because my primary goal is to be kind. Also politics is just about the least important priority in my life right now.
Last night the Tony Awards were on TV. I love live tweeting during award shows, but it’s inconsistant with the personal brand I need to build on Twitter. At the same time, it’s part of who I am, and I’ve gotten to interact with some really fun people, especially during the Oscars.
I was having a conversation with one of the coolest people on the planet and I had a thought I liked so much I tweeted it: “Broken people look for kindness wherever it’s available and share it whenever it’s possible.” @talasyn on twitter replied with two tweets: “I’ll have to disagree. Some broken people do. Other broken people only see the ugly in people. Those are the self-absorbed bkn” and “..cont… And pride is the wedge between broken and surrendered… Stupid pride. I hate you.”
Given my sensitivity, I assumed I had offended this guy. Since I’m leaning into pain, I DM’d him and asked him to email me. I told him I think I can learn from him, and if he hates me, I want to understand why. He did email me and explained that he wasn’t saying he hated me. He was saying he hated his “stupid pride.” He also said some very nice things about me being open about my struggle.
I could have assumed I made this guy mad for whatever reason, and now he hates me. I could have unfollowed him. Instead I asked him, and as a result, I found someone I’ll probably end up having a great meal with one day where we talk about life and God and who knows what else.
140 characters can get us in trouble online, but we don’t have to stay there. People are deep, and I’m learning to explore the depths rather than running away in offense. I can’t always do it. I won’t always do it, but I want to try.
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Nice Neal, well written… But like I said before. You’ll be OK. Maybe leaning into the pain, U mean the pain is more like a tool to deal within itself. It does get better, U might recall, I was in a bit of a slump, & just a few days ago, someone came into my life who knocked me off my feet. I didn’t even see it coming. She just appeared like lightning. But Neal, don’t run, it won’t really help, it’s you who needs to find you again. You can only find yourself IN you, not another place on the globe… You will see. Take care & think well my friend. Bruce R.
Hi – my name is @talasyn, and I am a poor writer
Yes, I responded with a well intentioned, yet poorly worded post. Neal has really made me do some self examination lately and I was trying to express, albeit, poorly, some ideas on my mind.
I’m thankful that Neal didn’t write me off as an ass, but rather thought enough to ask “why?”
Yes, 140 characters is difficult to express oneself. Hopefully I’ve learned to be brief and to the point. Most of all, I hope I’ve made a friend.
Todd (Talasyn)
Me too!