I have a problem. It seems to be a problem, anyway.
Too much enthusiasm. To the point that perhaps its value is diluted.
Does that sound like a problem to you? Allow me to explain further.
I am a naturally enthusiastic person. Particularly as it relates to interacting with others. In person, in writing, and even on the phone. When left to my own devices, and not distracted by a burden, I tend to emit enthusiasm with vigor. Is there any other way? 🙂
Now, I am not saying that too much enthusiasm is a problem. On the contrary, I find that to be a good thing.
What I have been mulling over is forcing that enthusiasm to carry over to my writing. Particularly texts and emails. I use more exclamation points than what might be appropriate. It is true!!! Couldn’t help myself just then.
I find myself texting things like “Thanks!” over receiving mundane information and good news. It occurs to me that I use overblown words like “awesome” and “fantastic” regarding things that are quite ordinary. I think a lot of this is cultural; Western culture seems to have adopted a widespread ratcheting up of descriptive language beyond what is the appropriate use of some words.
Prime example: epic. It is overused to the point that its meaning is completely separate from its most common uses. But I digress.
What bothers me most about this habit I’ve developed is that I feel locked into it. Since I always write “Thanks!” or “Great!”, excluding the exclamation point seems too bland and even rude. Am I alone in this?
It is true that one’s personality often comes out in their writing. When I get notes that end with a seemingly flat “Thanks.”, I have to recognize that not everyone is a slave to blasting eagerness at every turn like I seem to be. If I don’t take the time to acknowledge that, I am sometimes even taken aback by matter-of-fact, non-emotive written communication. Not everyone writes or thinks like you, Summer. Chill out.
On the flip side, I deeply appreciate fellow enthusiasm enthusiasts.
So there is my quandary. Worrying about too much zeal from my communication, then unfairly expecting it from others.
I don’t have an answer. I don’t know what the solution is. Not sure there is one. There might not even be a problem. Maybe it is all in my mind.
What do you think? Are you on team “overdo the exclamation points” or “keep it emotionally level”?
I would be most interested to hear your opinion on the issue. Is there such a thing as too much enthusiasm? How do you handle matters like this one?
As always, thanks so much for reading!! <– To illustrate my point.
