Foot in Mouth Disease

Lately I've been thinking about the things people say without thinking.  (Okay, so it isn't just lately and it isn't just things 'said'.)  For instance, last spring I came across an agent saying if an author's already been rejected by their agency for more than two different manuscripts, the person just shouldn't bother sending them anything more.  Or this morning when I was reading blogs I haven't been to in a while and saw someone making fun of people who've written more than a couple books without being published. 

Umm, ouch.

The agent blog sent me into a gloom that took a while to come out of.  (Which I'm apparently still not out of, since the comment is still bothering me all this time later.)  This morning's comment just ticked me off.  Needless to say, I won't be dropping by that blog any time soon - if ever.

Then I wondered if I make comments on occasion which I think are funny or useful or cute, and whether they hurt other people.  Now, I do realize we live in offend-sensitive world.  Some people are just going to get upset by just about anything.  Those people aside, I do want to let my readers know that I would never intentionally say anything with the intent of causing pain.  Hell, even my occasional swipe at Ohio State or the BoSox is meant in good fun - because for me, rivalry adds to the enjoyment of competitive sports.

Having said that, though, please understand that I occasionally have Foot in Mouth Disease - we all do, I think.  In the spirit of that, I'll cut this morning's blogger some slack.  The writer probably thought he/she was being funny.  The agent blog wasn't trying to be funny, but I don't think they were trying to be hurtful either.  I think they were just being honest.  Honesty I can deal with, even if it stings.

So, in the words of Puck:

"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends."

Or, in my own way, forgive me my occasional outbreaks of Foot in Mouth Disease.