Letters to the Editor
chiefdeputy
Published Letters: 121 Editor's Choice: 6
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If he does this to her, how do you know . . .
[Read the article: I am the keeper of secrets]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]This is the lamest, most useless comment that gets repeated on these letters every day. "If he leaves her for you" or "if you leave husband for other guy", "how do you know he won't do the same thing to you?" "If he trades her in for you, he'll trade you in for someone else later."
The answer is you never know, but come on people! Never leave a relationship you don't like because the next one may end badly? Never get into a relationship with someone who left their spouse because he might leave you later? Jesus, do you people really think these are words of wisdom?
Be afraid, fear karma, etc etc. Bullshit. You are an adult. Choose to be around people who make you feel good about yourself, and make you happy. Get away from those who do not.
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Get a dog
[Read the article: I want a baby so badly it scares me]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Seriously, most baies aren't that cute, they aren't that smart, and they are basically born with all of the "bad" traits humans have: extreme selfishness, powers of manipulation,cruelty, jealousy, etc. Go spend some time around other people's kids. You'll probably hate them.
Do us all a favor and wait until you are really committed to raising a good, productive human being and not just baby crazy. Start with adopting a dog and see how you do with caring for it. Then check into adopting a child - there are too many kids on this planet already.
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There is a stigma, even from younger people
[Read the article: I'm embarrassed to admit I met my guy online]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]While most on here are saying no one cares, millions do it, etc., I know many people who will think there is something wrong with you if you meet online. Especially from those who aren't familiar with the process, and think it is "desperate, pathetic or dangerous." Those eHarmony tv ads don't help - those couples all look odd and loser-ish.
Try just saying you used a "professional matchmaker" - it is true, and then you can talk about Fiddler on the Roof or something.
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Define "smartest"?
[Read the article: Everything you were afraid to ask about "Battlestar Galactica" ]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Firefly is one of my favorite shows of all time, but why is everyone claiming it is the smartest? Or B5? I'm not sure how "smart" BSG is, but it gets into a lot more political, religious, and philosophical notions than most shows currently on tv, and certainly more so than Firefly. It's plot and characters are complex, and its reference to religion, mythology, and literature actually add meaning to the show. That seems pretty "smart", and I can't think of another show with that many levels to it.
I also think rupert is a complete asshole snob. Max Headroom sold Pepsi for fuck's sake. How smart do you have to be to "get" that?
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It will have to end
[Read the article: I'm 21 and addicted to pot -- but I'm doing just great!]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]You are a student and 21. Great. In the real world, pot is illegal. In my state, the 1st offesne is a misdemeanor, and the 2nd a felony. Probation sucks. Convictions suck. And, yes cary, court sucks. It may not be fair, but pot can derail all of your plans if you get arrested. For now, there isn't much danger of that at college. But go home to a small town to visit, or get into the real world post graduation, and all bets are off. In my experience, the real world will cause you to cut way down on pot use, and eventually snuff it out. But you sound like you really need it to get by, so you might need to stop self medicating and see a doctor for a prescription.
And you will need other coping skills. If you think college is stressful, there may not be enough weed in the world to get you through life after college. I mean if school work and exes stress you out at this stage, look out. See a doctor.
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Learned behavior
[Read the article: I'm a college student with no natural social skills]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Social skills are learned behavior. You haven't learned them, so this is more than an "introvert" issue. Shyness, extreme introversion, etc., can be detrimental to your career and happiness. You can't even imagine all of the experiences and opportunities you will miss. The only way out is planning and practice. Basically, you lack confidence and find it easier to stay in your quiet self (and maybe look down on other young people in their behavior maybe?) than to put yourself out there and experience other people.
Others' suggestions here are good. Force yourself to do it, have some preplanned conversations at the ready, force yourself to make eye contact (you can start with a few people you feel comfrtable with, or just try it a little with a strangers at first), and make yourself interact with others face to face.
Finally, the best "natural" skill a shy introvert has is listening. Be a good listener, pay attention to others and observe what they do. That's the only way to learn how to know when someone is joking, is talking in code for hooking up, or whatever. You don't have to become a different person, and you can take your time, but you simply have to open up or you will miss out on a lot.
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Morons
[Read the article: Cokie Roberts speaks out on the war on behalf of the American people]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Stop demanding "conservative" versions of every host and show on NPR or anywhere else. There is no promise, right or obligation for any news or quasi-news organization to put someone with an "opposite" voice on for everything that comes across their airways. Why are you the arbiter of what is "liberal" and who should be on the air to counter it? You sound foolish. Your demand or complaint about NPR is moronic, meaning if you make it you sound like, or maybe are, a moron.