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Ironically, knarf and I live in SW Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh. Maybe it’s a Burgh thing, but people around here don’t usually mince words. They can be really “in your face” sometimes. We’re not like “Southerners” who try to be polite and sugar coat everything while trying not to offend anyone. I’m a dental hygienist and it takes a lot of practice to learn how to communicate well with patients. There are enough stressors in a dental office to begin with. It helps to be good in the PR department. Patients who get offended by what you say won’t be patients very long. I almost have to follow a “script” to avoid blurting things out that are inappropriate. It’s a struggle for me to be an effective communicator.

Is the problem of being undiplomatic a big problem in your personal communications or just while you're at the office? From the other side of the coin, I will say that I expect people to speak politely when they are poking me with sharp objects.

I don't think most Southerners like things to be "sugar-coated." I think the best of us can be direct without being in someone's face. The worst of us are just as rude as anyone from anywhere. When I was at Penn State, I obviously knew plenty of folks from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. I was aware of a difference in outlook, but I never thought that describing that difference in terms of being rude was really accurate.

I could have written that reply, toothfairy86.

I'm not so sure it's a 'Burgh thing or not (I'm a native Bostonian, left it in '76 .. [holy colonialism, Batman .. you're that old ?? !!!] .. ) as I've always been a little outspoken.

I can relate to your position (sort of, except, I don't know if "wear" is the proper word for 'dentures' .. /8^) .. ).

Waaayyyy ... back in the late '60's/early '70's I developed what I call "Impromptu Geurilla Theater" .. an example being f'rinstance;

Walking down a street and pass by a couple of people whom are in conversation ... and I hear just a few words .. " ... and she said we .... ", to which, as I kept walking, I'd turn my head and speak loud enough so they would hear, something like, " Don't believe a word of it .. it's a lie!" .. and of course ... just keep walking.

I can't begin to tell you what fun I've had .. and what I think I've learned from performing such antics.

Sometimes (back to the uncomortable topic) .. the feeling of being uncomfortable is not so much how uncomfortable I feel, but how the one I'm talking to might feel.

"Yo, dude ... y'know your zipper's down"
"Naahhh, but if y'hum a few bars, I'll try t'pick up the tune ..(whisper) 'thanx' .. "

/8^)