Not That Simple

Don't mistake my cool-headedness for lack of passion.

Don't confuse my frankness with trust.

Don't confuse my kindness with affection.

Don't mistake my respect for adoration.

Don't confuse my principled approach with lockstep obedience.

Don't interpret my disagreement with your opponent as agreement with you.

Don't mistake my skepticism for disapproval.

Don't mistake my reserved appearance for lack of enthusiasm.

Don't confuse my objectivity with lack of conviction.

Don't mistake my diplomacy for timidity.

Don't interpret my smile and listening ear as naivety.

I could go on, but suffice it to say, it's just not that simple. It never has been.


Addendum: this isn't meant to be a rant. It's just a clarification stemming from a conversation I had with someone over tacos al pastor yesterday and isn't aimed at specific people. I wrote these partially to remind myself that perceptions aren't always what they seem and that if I have such a list, I'd do well to try not to misread others as I have often been misread. "Simple" as that... ;-)