Lost In Translation

[bloodyrosemccoy]

You ever noticed that there are some comments that people refuse to hear properly? I keep having the following conversation today:

 

AMELIA: I am experiencing lethargy, achiness, and a complete lack of energy.

WHAT PEOPLE APPARENTLY KEEP HEARING: I am experiencing GRATUITOUS AMOUNTS OF ENERGY.

OTHER PERSON: You know what would perk you up? You should climb a mountain!

 

… Something seems to have gotten lost in translation here. Perhaps I haven’t mastered English as well as I though, because people are always suggesting running marathons or skydiving when I say I am experiencing a vague malaise. Does the word not mean what I think it means? Or maybe an assertion that one feels tired is a code for “I declare it Opposite Day!”

 

They never learn, either, because I have gone along with these suggestions before, on the assumption that we have all actually understood each other and this is a possible solution to the problem I mentioned, and it never turns out well—I am even more tired afterward, and now I’m also cranky.  And yet, even with this in our mutual past, they still wait till I feel crummy to invite me horseback riding or snowboarding or whatever.  Clearly, somebody’s Babel fish is on the fritz here. I say we look into this.

Comments

Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com]

Most people have been taught that exercise is a cure for lethargy. For certain types -- frex, oversleeping -- it actually works. But most of the time it just makes matters worse.

Try telling people you don't feel well, or even "I feel like I'm coming down with something." And don't go into any more detail than that. Then they'll be more likely to encourage you to rest and take care of yourself.

Some physical challenges, people just won't accept. Work around it. You're unlikely to change their minds.

Re: Thoughts

[shadesofmauve]

Not just for certain types of lethargy, I'd say - it also works with certain types of exercise. Namely, regular, not overly strenuous exercise will help build up more energy over time.

Suddenly climbing mountains does not fall into this category, and even people who regularly exercise can have an off day or week.

Too true on people not accepting some physical challenges. "No, really, I can't do that, I've been finding my limitations for a quarter century" does not stop people from offering clever ideas on how I just might make x work.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_wastrel/]

Ah yes, I recognize that very type of miscommunication from experience. u_u

[crazykawaii.livejournal.com]

I can actually understand that suggestion - frequently when I am feeling lethargic and lazy it's because my body is beginning to shut down from lack of doing anything, and going for a walk or going to rugby practice is the only wake to actually wake myself up.

Although climbing mountains, running marathons, or going horseback riding is clearly not the best solution, especially if you don't normally do those things...

[westrider.livejournal.com]

This can also often be an Introvert/Extrovert thing. Extroverts do generally get pepped up by going out and doing something active, while Introverts need to be quiet and alone to recharge. I can't remember the author right now, but there's a book called "The Introvert Advantage" that really opened my eyes to a lot of this stuff, and helped me figure out some of the things that were triggering problems and some strategies for coping with them.

[queenlyzard.livejournal.com]

*snorfle* Now just try living with those symptoms chronically. Especially when it gets to the point that you can barely feed yourself because even a bowl of cereal feels heavy. At that point, everyone will start suggesting complex dietary solutions to your problems, like eating absolutely no gluten/sugar/food. And then you get to explain why you don't immediately go bouncing off to the Very Expensive and Complicated Foods Store so you can take this "simple and natural" step to fixing all your problems...

What, me, bitter? No....

[padparadscha.livejournal.com]

Chronic? Nonsense! You just need to try eating nothing but frog skins for two weeks, and you'll be right as rain! Trust me, my cousin's husband's niece's classmate did that and the next day the growth was GONE and she was suddenly able to do the parallel bars for an hour without stopping!

... Well? Why haven't you tried it yet? Clearly, you are lazy and do not care to make yourself healthy.

[queenlyzard.livejournal.com]

Right! I'm off in my wellies to go frog-giggin'. Any tips on how to skin the little buggers?