Penni,
It really is a lot easier conversing with people you can't see. It doesn't hurt that you can pull back and edit what you wrote. Many's the time I've wished I could do that with things I've said.
My mother always said that when she was in a tough position, this weird cold feeling came over her and everything got very clear and slow.
This has happened to me a lot, though not recently (life has gotten mellow in my old age). The more the stress, the greater the reaction; in really weird times, like if I've been physically hurt or when I've had people shooting at me, it's like I'm floating a few feet above the body, watching things happen and making totally practical decisions on what to do next (which usually involves running away or taking cover). Laughter, inexplicable and totally out of place, usually follows. I think it's physical, a straight endorphin rush. Alex would know better.
It doesn't work under social stress, not for me anyway. In those situations I prefer to creep quietly to the nearest exit, usually falling over something with a loud crash in the process.
Cyber-interaction is easier. Nothing to fall over.
Steve |
