Oh Joel—what if I told you, I know exactly what you mean? Except, here’s how it hit me. I received a pretty high praise which I thought, “wow, okay, I liked my story but I don’t think I’m that great..” but I felt touched—appreciative.
One week later, I’m responding to another story—
And what do you know?
The exact comment was written to this other writer!
In that moment I thought: how utterly wrong and just deceitful! Having had my emotions played with—placed me on guard.

But that ruins medium.

If you can’t be yourself and respond to one another in the moment —then the added layer of caution and apprehension—ruins it for everyone.

Thanks Joel for sharing your feedback and time with me.