This may be controversial, or anti-feminist, or stepping on SOMEONE's toes out there (cause there is always a someone that has a something to say about a nothing) but here goes: sometimes, I pretend I'm clueless.
Don't get me wrong, there are times when I don't NEED to pretend. I just don't get "it," whatever that "it" at that time may be. There is truly nothing that frustrates me more, either. On top of being a huge, nerdy perfectionist, I'm also competitive and hate being wrong. If I can't understand a topic or instruction, I get flustered and tend to shut down. I find this happens a lot when it's my husband trying to explain something to me. Riddle me that.
Yet, other times, and please don't say you don't do this, I just kind of act.......well, dumb. I'm not sure why that is because I loathe stupidity in others. If I'm talking to someone who is kindly and trying to explain something to me, (that I already clearly understand) I'll act like it's the most fascinating instructions EVER and like they are imparting some great wisdom. I do a lot of head nodding and "OH mmm hmmmm's" as well. It doesn't have to be a man talking down to a "little lady" either. It could be the school secretary telling me how the buses work for that school, even though I researched it online 5x and have it written down already at home, and I'll act like it's brand spanking new information. I swear that's just an EXAMPLE.
There's just some part of me that feels badly for shutting someone down with a "ya, I know." I feel like it gives them a sense of purpose or importance to act like the several minutes of imparted tidbits are needed. I'm just THAT nice, I guess.
Or, maybe I'm just really THAT dumb, after all.
Mmmmm Hmmmm.
I think it definitely is nice rather than dumb. I'm sure Miss Manners would tell you to nod politely and listen as opposed to interrupting the person. I do it too.
ReplyDeleteAnd ps...we're very much alike...must be that Virgo thing! ;)