No word in the history of language has ever annoyed me more than someone being intimidated by my ability to write and not responding at all. It is avoidance dressed up as a compliment…. “but you’re so good at it” (meaning communication). Their inability to meet me where I am is not a reflection on me, but it is deeply isolating.
If people don’t want to be intimidated by communicating with me, I have auditory processing disorder. What I hear is anyone’s guess, and hilarity always ensues….. in person. If you want an equal playing field with a writer, meet them for coffee so that you get them out of the rhythm of composing in their heads.
People get intimidated by me because I write all day, every day, and they do not take in that it is a skill. It is honed in minute detail, so they absolutely shouldn’t try to keep up with me. They need to separate the person from the craft. For instance, I’d love to swim with Michael Phelps, but I would never try to compete with him. I would just want to learn and have fun. I am not comparable to an Olympic swimmer in terms of craft, but the metaphor stands. I am not responsible for other people’s fear of my dexterity on the page. I am only responsible for relating to people where they are.
I don’t need people to match my writing. I need them to show up as themselves. I can’t meet someone who has already stepped back.
Stories That Are All True 