Hmmm, I think I may have the opposite problem... I usually sign cards from me only unless I specifically ask if my husband feels comfortable signing it, because I don't feel like I can act on behalf of "us" without his involvement. I'm much more comfortable interacting with my family (or even my in-laws) by myself than with my husband present because I feel like it is more obvious that I am speaking for myself and not for us when I talk. I feel more comfortable talking with each of my parents than when talking with them both simultaneously because I guess I always assumed it was similarly less pressure for them... I don't really engage in group texts because I don't "get" the reason for grouping them unless they are logistical. It's really helpful to realize a lot of people feel the opposite strain. I've always admired the way that people so easily couch themselves as part of a group (and criticized myself for my own struggle), I never thought of it as an equal but opposite self-preservation mechanism. Maybe they admire the way I so comfortably speak for myself?
Thanks, I've always wondered why people at church will say, "WE missed you." I want to ask 'did you talk about me? did you, like, take a vote?'
Love this. Telling someone, "I missed you," is quite a gift to them.
I'll be rereading this newsletter. Several things resonated about my relationships with coworkers and with a friend in particular.
Hmmm, I think I may have the opposite problem... I usually sign cards from me only unless I specifically ask if my husband feels comfortable signing it, because I don't feel like I can act on behalf of "us" without his involvement. I'm much more comfortable interacting with my family (or even my in-laws) by myself than with my husband present because I feel like it is more obvious that I am speaking for myself and not for us when I talk. I feel more comfortable talking with each of my parents than when talking with them both simultaneously because I guess I always assumed it was similarly less pressure for them... I don't really engage in group texts because I don't "get" the reason for grouping them unless they are logistical. It's really helpful to realize a lot of people feel the opposite strain. I've always admired the way that people so easily couch themselves as part of a group (and criticized myself for my own struggle), I never thought of it as an equal but opposite self-preservation mechanism. Maybe they admire the way I so comfortably speak for myself?