A Letter To Those Who Would Write To Me

(NOTE: Based on time elapsed since the posting of this entry, the BS-o-meter calculates this is 16.884% likely to be something that Ferrett now regrets.)

About once a week, I get an email from someone, saying, “You don’t know me, but I’m in this situation with my partner, and I don’t mean to bother you, but I wanted to ask for your advice.”
I just want to be clear: that is totally cool. Do not hesitate to contact me. 
I would not write all these insights I have on having mostly drama-free relationships if I didn’t intend it to help.  I’m not saying I’m an infallible guru on such matters – I’m not necessarily correct, and often I have a very narrow window into your world – but if I can be of service, I am happy to.  It’s not an insult, it’s not a waste of my time, I’m happy to do what I can for you.
Now, my timeliness on this may be in doubt – I’m busy, sometimes you get spam-trapped, sometimes it takes a day or two  – but if you don’t hear from me, follow up.  You’re not an inconvenience.  I am deeply committed to helping people be happy as best I can, and if I fail, it’s not you, it’s me.  Yell at me.  I’ll come around.
The only non-cool thing?  I usually know who you are.  If you’ve commented in here a few times, I generally have some bead on you.  Don’t think you’re that forgettable, okay?  Though telling me where I know you from will help, because I have no idea that Danielle Dericky Deschamps is actually LJ User=CharityWhore.
(However, I usually don’t spread links asking for monetary assistance unless I know the people in question.  No offense, but if I’m asking people to donate money to a cause, that’s partially me vouching for them – so I have to believe personally.  That’s a tricky thing, since I don’t like to spam.  If I point folks at someone, I want it to be super-effective.)
 

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