Ask Amy: Online pity parties don’t elicit hugs
But – guess what? – other people don’t feel that way. And the true beauty of the freedom of expression that social media platforms offer is this: people can say whatever they want. That includes you.
You seem to want to inspire this person to change her behavior, through some magical statement you might compose. But – if you did that, and she wasn’t too wounded to respond, she might well say (to you): “If you don’t like what I post, then don’t ‘follow’ me!”
If you do choose to admonish her, do so via private message. Be aware, however, that she could then choose to post your statement, inspiring another round of “hugs.”
Dear Amy: My 50-year-old long-term girlfriend is driving me crazy with her habit of saying, “You know…”
We live separately during the week and speak on the phone each evening. Last night I did some tallying: 65 "You knows" in 15 minutes, often six or seven per minute. The extreme was five times in 10 seconds!
It is just so distracting and boring. This wonderful college-educated person is very pleasant and well-informed. Of course, the habit is so ingrained that she is totally unaware.
Mentioning it would do nothing; I doubt she can change.
I believe a "deaf" ear is my only answer; any ideas?
I DO Know
Dear DO Know: My family recently pointed out my own annoying verbal tic (evidently, I declare many things and people to be “legendary”). This knowledge gave me the opportunity to change. (And so, from now on, only I will be “legendary.”)
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