Pith helmet

[Coemgen]

Kevin,

This isn't entirely directed only to you but there have been a number of threads as of late that keep turning into heated debates between the "Slobs and the Snobs" (or "Traditionalists vs. Moderns" , "Fashion Police vs. Fashion Rebels" , "Neat Freaks vs. Casuals" however you want to call the sides)

Look at what you first wrote:



And then you responded with this:



When I ask for feedback I want honest feedback.

If you really don't care what other people think then by all means sally forth and wear what you like. But here on XMTS there is this nice mix of Staunch Traditionalists and Bold Modern kilt wearers. If you or others don't want the opinions of the Traditionalists you should either preface this in your query or simply show a picture of your outfit and happily declare "here is my new outfit". The Snobs/ Traditionalists/ Fashion Police / Neat Freaks are likely to not offer much comment because you aren't seeking their advice or approval.

By asking our opinion obviously you must have some interest in what others think. Saying that you don't give much credence to what other people think makes me wish I hadn't bothered to respond.

I'm not trying to attack you, but instead I desire to illustrate a point to all about when questions are posed or opinions sought here.

Cheers

Jamie

First: If I have caused any offence, I apologise. I have great difficulty with conversation, online as well as off, due to my autism (Asperger's syndrome).

Second: When I say I care nothing for what others think of me, that is true. This is because most people who have, in the past, decided to give me advice (unsolicited, that is) are generally offensive and rude. Due to the AS, I am extremely sensitive to criticism, of any kind and in any form and from anyone.

The best way for me to deal with it is to not give a flying **** what people who i don't know (most of the rest of humanity) decide to tell me (almost always without solicitation) what they happen to think about my faith, my personality, my actions, my clothing, my voice, my singing ability, my academic performance, etc.

This may seem extreme, but it's the only way I am able to avoid complete emotional collapse, an experience I have been through all too often and which, in general, I try to avoid by any means necessary. The only way that consistently works is isolating myself from human contact and stopping any empathy or sympathy or other connection with people.

I will admit that this has a tendency to make me appear cynical, sociopathic, and callous. It is, however, the only way for me to make it through the day with my mental state intact.

However, that being said, when I want advice, feedback, etc., I ask for it, and when I ask for it, I want it. I may have already made up my mind, but I do value input from those with greater experience and knowledge then I.

I hope that you are able to find this explanation satisfactory.