4 ms·
thats an interesting point, but i wonder, how do you know its true? i initially agree because the internet enables social reclusion, but i dont know if i have a
by the_cat_kittles 11y ago
thats an interesting point, but i wonder, how do you know its true? i initially agree because the internet enables social reclusion, but i dont know if i have anything more concrete to go on than that. as someone who went to small middle and high school, i've seen how often people who would just be ignored because they are rough around the edges end up being great members of the community when proximity and exposure help overcome the initial friction. i guess what im saying is i agree with you if there is some reason to believe that there is something that has actually lowered proximity and exposure, and im not so sure the internet really has, but i really dont know.
i would say the writers response is very helpful though, it contextualizes alan for himself. could it be more helpful and less insulting? sure, but its pretty good overall, especially when you compare it to how little effort alan put forth in the communication.
- vinceguidry 11y agoI personally gravitate towards odd ducks like Alan, so I might have struck up a weekly email correspondence, if only to gain a sense for what makes him tick. I would have challenged him on a few points of his Shakespearean criticism and humored him so he didn't have to feel so lonely. After some back and forth on that I would have started asking him more about his life. I'd gently guide him towards courses of action that would naturally guide towards better health and success, like exercising, talking to real people, anything but whatever it is he does for 100+ hours every week. I'd keep it to 30 minutes a week to put a cap on it so he doesn't start running my life. But you'd be amazed at what you can do for someone just with that small amount of time.
- the_cat_kittles 11y agototally agree, since i have been the beneficiary of exactly what you've described. well, i guess you are cool. :)
- petemc_ 11y agoIt's easy enough to find Alan's email address if this is really how you feel.
- vinceguidry 11y agoI gravitate towards them if they're around, I don't seek them out. Also, there's a reason Alan reached out to the professor, it's unlikely he would be as receptive to me reaching out to him.
- praptak 11y ago> it's unlikely he would be as receptive to me reaching out to him. On the contrary, it is very likely. His site encourages readers to contact him.
- crgabrieljr 11y agoThanks for that. I'm fairly certain I've received benefit from folks who took the time to do what you describe when it would have been so much easier to turn away.
- more_corn 11y agoSounds like a plan. Get to work ;- )