If others respond oddly to things we say, we may wish to try stating our intentions more directly in some situations. And knowing that others are often indirect, or for reasons of conversational style may not mean what we heard them say, we may, in some situations and with some others, ask for clarification. But we must realize that some people will feel challenged if their meaning is questioned, and any attempt to talk about ways of talking will make some people uncomfortable. So the most important thing is simply to bear in mind that the occurrence of misunderstandings is natural and normal,
...more
