When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary to cast aspersion on the character of those around you, I find that doing so with vim and vigor works wonderfully. Doing this ensures that people aren't missing your point. 

I've noticed lately that people, speaking in a general sense, don't really "listen" to what is being said. You'll say something like, "Gee, you look nice today..." the recipient of said comment will then flash back with "OH! So I look like SHIT every other day? Is that what you're saying you rat bastard?". 

This tends to lead me to believe that most conversationalists are socially stunted creatures that wouldn't know an enlightened thought if it hit them upside the head with a wet carrot. This being said, on with the next train of thought...

I tend to receive the random odd look from time to time because of the color of my hair. Some have gone so far as to say that I have "mood hair". Blonde happens to be the "color du jour" at this time. So far, I've gone through several iterations of style and color: Green, Black, Red, Blue, White, Dark blonde. Usually my preferred style is the good old fashioned standby, the mowhawk, although I tend to stylize it just a bit...Needless to say, this gets me pretty interesting reactions from the locals whenever I waltz into the nearest WalMart. Most of the time I'll get the brilliantly constructed comment of "Hey look Earl! It's Halloween! Hyuck , Hyuck...". Fortunately, more often, I'll end up in interesting conversations with those brave enough to come up to the "creepy chick in black" and they end up walking away thinking differently of those around them that happen to be different. People in general don't usually expect "Freaks" to have something valid to say, much less have the vocabulary to carry on a lively conversation without the occasional smattering of invective. When I respond in a friendly and intelligent manner, it tends to take them by surprise. 

Everybody sees the world completely differently, since we all have VERY different experiences. This is NOT to say that any ONE given experience isn't valid, but we all go through some pretty rough stuff in a lifetime. It's not always easy to remeber this when running around doing all the day to day things that wear you down after time. I guess it's just a matter of being a little gracious to those around you. Taking time to remember that everybody has it rough, and we're all here to support each other, not beat each other about the face and neck with broken bottles. 

Here are some listening exercises that will help you to listen, and therefore understand. 

FICTION:

Jhada and Argent || The Model and the Mad Scientist || Gabriel || An Unlikely Pairing || The Worst Porno Story Ever

POETRY:

No Longer Angry || Depression || Run with the Moon || Love is a Virus || BloodDance || Diamanda || Murderer || The Watcher || Confusion || Dream || Romeo is Bleeding || Cribdeath || HoPeLeSs || Soulmate || Darling || Illuminate || Madness || Insecurity || Fear || Angel || The Job || Pathetic || Shard of Hate || Thin || Departure of Friends || Empty Life || Kindred Spirit || Why Bother? || Loss of Control || Lonely Girl || Loss of a Dream || Damaged || Done|| Excision  || Missing You || Jhada|| Hope ||  Reflection ||  History Repeating

TIRADES:

Sucky Movies || Relationships || Marriage || Shortcomings || Parents || Monstrous Brats || Barbie's Newest Trauma || Babies in Trashcans || Religion || Listening || Public Facilities || Choices...Grieving || Legalize Prostitution ||  Sports VS Public Service || Y2K || Abortion || To Buffy, or not to Buffy? || Enough with the HATE Already! || Christmas || Valentine's Day || Love in the 90's || The Big Trenchcoat Freakout || Keeping Up Appearances || Presidential Scourge|| Legislating Safety || Anti-drug commercials || Dating || Annoying Anonymity || America West || The Great Bug Debacle || Smoking || Anthrax, anthrax, anthrax || The USA Patriot Act