Am I Intimidating?

Nope, you're just honest!

And there's nothing wrong with being honest! Be who you are and be proud!

I had the exact same experience when I was in college. I don't remember how, but I met one of my classmates in elementary school. She told me that she didn't make friends with me (when we were in elementary school) because I was intimidating. I was totally stunned. I have always thought that I was easy-going and I tried my best to be nice to other people. But that's when I realized that you just can't please everyone.

And girlfriends who interject...
(what does that mean?)
My poor pompous ass I guess.

Some people are thinner skinned and more sensitive than others. The thing to have done was to ask in what way you are such and to try and clear the air by communication. You might think you are but to someone who is shy or quiet you may be.

I'm sorry you had that hurtful experience. As the other posters say, we can't please everyone. And sometimes and this is a problem that I have, we gotta say the dumb "acceptable" things that people don't find "offensive." And I hate that. People will say that they want you to be truthful but when you are, they turn into big stinky haters and think that you are the one with the problem. Sorry, guess this is a sore spot for me. It's just that I try to be truthful and that doesn't really work out for certain people in my life.

It all depends on how you make your friend feel stupid. If you're talking to her using too many "big" words she doesn't understand, that may the reason. I'm told quite often I intimidate others...and I don't have to do a thing. My size alone does it. I'm 6'4, though I have dropped from 425 pounds to a more normal 180 pounds now. Also, my voice has a tendancy to intimidate others if my size doesn't. I have a loud, deep voice which projects. It's unintentional...just the way it is. I wouldn't worry about it. If she looks at you as intimidating her; maybe she's not that much of a real friend to begin with. I don't intimidate any of my true friends; despite being larger and louder than they are.

I can relate to that and can't figure it out either.

thanks for sharing.

Carol,
The whole time I was in Schule, I had much the same problem. Only, I was called a snob. Most of this was due to being European, once in America, and also the fact that I was the quiet sort. I spent alot of time being a people watcher, and, writing poetry, or music.. just about anything else but my schulewerk!:-P A lot of it had to do with the fact that upon puberty, I became Bipolar. This is inherited in my case, ten generations worth. No one back then knew how to deal with it, and, most of my friends were equal IQ or Adults and Teachers. The problems steadly became worse until I was able to efficiently control it. Granted, I miss the bursts of creativity, but, I don't miss the lack of people skills. I like people, and I enjoy talking to them now, planning with them, and being a part of the community, and most of all, being carefree. I don't like all the meds. Still, I don't think I would be writing you right now, if I didn't take them!

I also don't get called a snob now. Just a garden patch fiend! ;-P LOL

I can however, if need be, intimidate a few musicians if I need to. I prefer, however, to be pleseant with them, and have fun. I can be serious too- don't get me wrong- but still have fun with it.

As for Friendship- there are millions of souls in this world. Sometimes you just have to mentally forgive that person, and move on. Enjoy those around you who are friends. And don't let it get you. Life is too darned short.

Love and Blessings,
Johannes Chrysostomus M

I suppose some people may be intimidated by me as well, it's really silly, since I am probably the least mean person I know of, but I can't control others.