Things Brian and I discussed over lunch about me.

[pat]

I have decided that I am not a casual person, I tend to care about things -- even little things -- passionately. I can be snarky, but I can never be casually snarky. I tend to get snarky in defense of things that I care about. Which is why trolls love me. I can't be casual and I have a hard time just walking away. And yes, I take things personally.

By and large, I think being passionate about things is a good thing. It just means I need to be careful about frequenting forums that tend to get a lot of troll activity. It also means that yes, I do sometimes need to lighten up a bit.

I can be fiercely loyal to people I love.

I also have a chip on my shoulder the size of Wisconsin about being patronized. People who don't know me very well tend to underestimate me because I am relatively mild-mannered and because of what I do for a living. But the surest way to turn me into a raging fury is to pat me on the head and tell me "there, there."

I am smart, and I resent people who treat me as brainless. I don't claim to not be boring, but I am not stupid.

I am very insecure about my desirability as a partner, romantically or even for simple conversation. I also tend to need to be cautious with people I don't know very well. And "know very well" involves things other than simply the passage of time.

I should call this "Pat's warning labels" : D

Comments

[who-is-she.livejournal.com]

I think the things you've listed above (caring about things passionately, not treating things casually, fierce loyalty, demanding respect for yourself) are all really good qualities.
It is a good thing that you recognize these strengths in yourself.. and can claim them.

"know very well" DOES involve a lot more than time passage. And, until you know someone in ways deeper than mere osmosis... or proximity.. it IS best to be cautious.

I must say, Pat, I agree with you on all counts.... and I find you a true goddess.
:)
I enjoy your journal very much.