Communication Skills

When Sarcasm Is Mistaken as a Cry for Help

by Bill Brenner March 7, 2016 Communication Skills

A couple weeks back I caused a bit of a stir on Facebook with this comment: Many times this past year, I’ve questioned how the hell it is that I’m still sober, given all the dramatic challenges I’ve faced. Today is one of those days. I got a ton of comments from people offering advice, sympathy and everything in between. I was partly grateful because it showed a lot of people give a shit about…  [Read More]

What Shutting People Down Says About You

by Bill Brenner February 18, 2016 Communication Skills

I’m someone who believes in full, frank communication. It’s essential for plans running smoothly and people not misunderstanding each other. There’s a certain personality type that gets in the way of that every time. And it makes my blood boil. Mood music: It’s the person who shuts you down when you broach a subject they don’t want to talk about. They put up their hand and start rattling off a litany of reasons they’re brushing…  [Read More]

Nothing Brings Out the Self-Righteous Like a Terrorist Attack

by Bill Brenner November 16, 2015 Communication Skills

Whenever we see terrible things like the ISIS attacks in Paris, something happens on Facebook: Many people become experts on religion and politics, and still more people get anal when people don’t observe a tragedy exactly as they would. Terror attacks bring out the best in some people. In others, it brings out self-righteous tomfoolery. Mood music: Whatever your political and religious beliefs, the attacks prove that your agenda is the correct one. One guy posted…  [Read More]

Starbucks, Christmas and Misguided People

by Bill Brenner November 11, 2015 Communication Skills

This is from the “people need to get a life” file. It will be my only statement on this uproar over Starbucks’ red coffee cups. My faith is well documented in this blog. I go to church just about every Sunday, and my family is heavily involved in parish activities. To me, the “War on Christmas” rhetoric has always been a stupid distraction — just another thing for people to get whiny and self-righteous about. This…  [Read More]

How to Be Kind Without Being Pwned

by Bill Brenner November 9, 2015 Communication Skills

Someone once told me that being kind to others is a great weapon against depression. Be good to others and you’ll feel better yourself. There’s truth to that. I’ve also discovered that kindness must be delivered in blunt and unpleasant forms on occasion. Mood music: My idea of kindness was always to be nice to people and do things to help them feel better. A lot of the time that was good enough. But there…  [Read More]

Out of Facebook F**ks to Give

by Bill Brenner October 9, 2015 Communication Skills

When I look at some of the posts I wrote just a few years ago, I realize how much my outlook on a lot of things has changed, especially when it comes to Facebook. My opinions have evolved through my experiences since writing those posts. People who read those posts should see that a writer’s views can evolve and mature — or devolve. Mood music: “Me and My Facebook Unfriend Finder“ This post describes how…  [Read More]

My Anti-Drama Code of Conduct

by Bill Brenner September 14, 2015 Communication Skills

Man, there are a lot of hurt feelings out there lately. In my industry, they call it security drama. But it goes way beyond that. Post your political and religious beliefs and someone is quick to tear you apart. I’m not going to summarize the latest examples. A lot of Facebook and Twitter streams are already clogged with all that snot. Instead, I’m going to tell you the behavioral code I try to live by when…  [Read More]

Irish Alzheimer’s Disease

by Bill Brenner May 19, 2015 Communication Skills

Alzheimer’s Disease is a terrible thing. I’ve known some precious souls trapped within that mental prison over the years, and it’s one of the saddest things to behold. But there’s another mental prison we all find ourselves in from time to time. The late Fr. Dennis Nason, former pastor of my church, described it as Irish Alzheimer’s. Simply put, you forget everything but the grudges. I’d like to tell you I don’t suffer from it, but…  [Read More]

Remorse? I Have It

by Bill Brenner December 10, 2014 Communication Skills

Recently, I started exploring the feelings that EdditTheYeti’s art raises in me. On Monday, I focused on “Prayer” and “Pierced.” Today, I’ll look at “Remorse.” Mood music: “Remorse” This picture was created with ink, wine, lime juice, coffee, tea, cola, soy sauce, hot sauce, and, as Eddie writes, a thought about what has passed. The creature in the picture hangs its head low, eyes too mired in the past to see the present. Regrets? I…  [Read More]

Why I Made That “Boycott United Airlines” Remark

by Bill Brenner November 30, 2014 Communication Skills

This morning I posted a comment from a friend suggesting people boycott United Airlines. A reader told me that if I’m going to suggest boycotting a business, I should provide all the details so they can make a more informed decision. It’s a fair request. Like the person whose post I shared, I’m angry because a friend we have in common was treated badly by United personnel.  Some drunk idiot harassed her in a United…  [Read More]

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