After a 2 year hiatus, I’m so happy to be back making things! I’d like to extend my appreciation to everyone who has responded to my requests to help get machines unstuck, track down accessories, or figure out why my fob won’t work. Thank you!
HOWEVER…
I’m starting to get very annoyed by UNSOLICITED ADVICE. A couple of times a day, a random man (sorry, it’s NEVER a woman) will come up to me in the woodshop and tell me what I’m doing wrong. It’s condescending, patronizing and irritating.
I have actually procrastinated coming to DMS, because I’m tired of being bothered every day. It’s starting to affect my work (I’m being interrupted and distracted) and it’s definitely affecting my mood. I just want to work on my projects–I don’t want to be lectured and instructed. If I need help I will ask. If you ask me, “Would you like help?” I will give you an honest answer.
I recognize that nobody is doing this out of malice, and it’s coming from a place of kindness and desire to help. I get it. I am at best an amateur woodworker, perhaps intermediate, and I know there’s a lot I still can learn. That’s why I hold my tongue when some fella takes the wood right out of my hands and starts with the “Let me show you how to do this…” I’m losing my patience and I would like to be left alone, just like everyone else.
PLEASE STOP MANSPLAINING.