Thanks PD! I was defensive because I've been called names for it in the past. I don't mind something like the comments that led to this - I like that because I'll learn from it. But being called arrogant stinks, being called cold or unfeeling stinks, especially as I wouldn't read unless I knew I don't know AND cared enough to try and learn.
In personal relationships it's a small problem - at work it's a bigger problem as mostly I present to meetings attended by those two or three tiers above me in post!!
Sometimes I get angry but I'm working on that - I get angry that they haven't read because I can't understand that. If someone says the law says X - check it, especially if your job means you need to know!! I get frustrated because I'm not blessed with any special talent, I just try hard (I mean at work). Getting frustrated or angry doesn't work though - so it's time for plan B!!
Friends pretty much accept me as I am - occasionally there are little glitches but nothing major.
Still ok on the length front??