We don’t always see eye to eye Anita and really our perspectives are quite different. But this time I agreed with your point about direct language. Yes we need to be polite but we also should try to avoid ambiguity. Say what we mean. I like people getting to the point, saying what they mean and this is one of your strengths.
It’s funny how, a person’s style of communication, their phrasing, can influence us or make us like or dislike their online persona. Also, you can feel the tone of a person’s post through their choice of words. I can sense humility or arrogance as I’m sure most people can. I may come over arrogant or patronising sometimes and not be aware of it. So it is lack of self-awareness, how we are coming across to others.
Yes we can be accused of “reading between the lines” (reading too much)and I agree that is sometimes the case. We have no literal evidence. But I think this argument can also be used by people to protect their sneaky agenda. “who me? No I wasn’t attacking anyone. Look how innocent my words are!” It’s a strategy I’ve seen on forums before to protect themselves from getting in trouble with moderators or the more esteemed members of the forum.

Thanks Elle for your post. Obviously you are a really down-two earth and friendly person!

And so what if they wanted you to leave? Were you afraid of them creating a scene if they kicked you out

I think that’s it Inky. I don’t like scenes. I don’t like confrontation or conflict.

It is the brain scanning the environment for danger: where is the next threat coming from

Yes I that it is overvigilance too Anita.