I had a counselor when I was in drug treatment as a teenager—that lead gets 'em every time—who said, "If one person tells you you have a tail, ignore them. If two people tell you you have a tail, you better check and see."
I was reminded recently that every single time I write something that provokes a big reaction, that reaction can be boiled down to:
He’s too snarky.
He’s too funny!
Why isn’t he more constructive?
And how would he have done it better?
He’s not perfect himself, you know!
Mean spirited!
Self-satisfied!
Smug!
Bold!
He’s got a point!
Lighten up, everyone!
Cancel my subscription!
Well, it appears I have a tail. A number of them, actually.
The same bitter, dry-drunk counselor also told me something else (he shouted, and pointed at me with a finger that had been partially amputated):
"You need to see yourself as other people see you!"
I thought then and I think now: What good would that do?