I want to get over my fear of blogging. I love writing! I love sharing! I like being part of a community (even if it’s through wires).
Here’s the thing: I was taught to be cautious and private (don’t identify yourself on the phone to unknown callers, keep an unlisted number). If someone asks for personal information ask “why?” before responding. I even identified a bit with Mel Gibson's character in Conspiracy Theory. I think as a typical oldest sibling, I tend to be more careful than carefree. In fourth grade I came home and was convinced there were “robbers” in our house without a car parked in front of it. I went to the neighbor's house and called home and found my brother was home (mom was up the street). Paranoia?
Truly, I am a people person (humans are totally my favorite animal), I love my friends intensely, and I’m ridiculously loyal. Still, I tend to be selective about who I share myself with. I’ve even been called a snob a few times, if you can believe it (one person said they USED to think I was a snob before they knew me).
I am particular, that’s all.
And I'm working on being more accepting and not holding everyone I know to unreasonably high expectations.
So opening myself up for criticisms and congratulations from people I might not know makes me wonder. How does that work? All of you blogger friends (from real life) might have some answers.
Also there are the people I do know in person. Will I offend people? I once called a European cousin a chocoholic in a mass e-mail. He took it as an extreme insult and was very upset with me. I suppose I don’t like confrontation, but that’s the nature of public exposure.
So here it goes… I feel my skin getting thicker every second…
