Don't assume you know me just because Iam a Writer Yes, I write about myself. I write about my life. I write what I know. That does not mean that we are friends. It does not mean that you understand me and It does not mean that you get to make assumptions about who I am. In these days of social media, it is easy to feel familiar with strangers. We give each other glimpses into our personal lives in a way that has never been done before and yes, I use my writing to connect and reveal myself to others in a way that hopefully comes across as heartfelt and genuine. I want to be as authentic as possible. That does not mean that I share all of myself. Do I share pieces? Absolutely. At the same time, to think that reading a few articles that somebody wrote on a few specific topics gives you the right to decide that you completely understand that person is un - reasonable. I would never be so arrogant as to think that I know who anyone is based on reading their writing. It is unfair to the person and It is unfair to the creative process. We, as writers, need to feel the freedom to express every part of ourselves and to be understood as complicated, multi-layered humans, just like anyone else. I will never let the un-warranted opinions of other people change who it is that I am and how I write. I know that entering a creative public forum means that I am subject to criticism, discussion and unfortunately, trolling. That is the deal. I am still going to write pieces like this that challenge the idea that you know all of me because you read me. There is a fine line between connection and assumption. To those of you who offer thoughtful, pointed commentary or who honestly empathize with my expression on a personal level, I thank you. To those who try to attack, hurt or otherwise degrade my creative process, I see you. I know you better than you think. I get that you are hurting, that you are angry, that you feel like you are invisible. I offer up to you the idea that lashing out is not the answer – That in fact, it hurts you more than it does anyone else. Go do something productive. Do something loving – For other people or for even yourself, if that is what you need. Live your life, because it is short. Do you really want to look back and realize that you wasted it criticizing strangers on the internet? I understand that this is murky territory – After all, much of my appeal to those who do enjoy my writing is that I try to share with stark frankness and raw emotion. It is not easy to write some of the more personal pieces that I put out there. I suppose I could develop a thicker skin, but then my writing will suffer. I refuse to compromise what I do, simply for the sake of my feelings. Instead, I say this – If you are talking about me, I must be doing something right. This is who I am and it is not going to change. If you do not like what I say, you have a choice – Then simply do not read it. It is that simple. I will not be offended – I know not everyone is going to like me and that is okay. Agree to disagree and move along. CRYSTAL FLOYD