Words Misconstrued

Some people just can't listen. They hear but they don't listen.

Oh come on, all I asked was why the Swedes work such standard hours, go home early in the day, and not work during weekend. I didn't imply that they are lazy or anything. I was just wondering why they work less and have such high productivity levels while we works like slaves and are unable to produce anything. It was in fact a compliment. I wonder which goon misconstrued what I said and got offended.

While I was innocently commenting on the work culture here in Sweden, that they work less than us and very standard hours, I did not mean anything more than that. It was simply a culture shock to me since we never seem to stop working. Moreover, I was wondering why their productivity was so high compared to us, and yet we work like slaves and never seem to have time for ourselves.

Was that SO wrong?So who are the people who will be offended by such innocent comments?

1) Persons who hear but do not listen.
Pure and simple. They take in only what they want to hear and block out the rest. More often than not, they often only notice the unpleasant parts and come to their own conclusion without listening to the rest of the story.

2) Egotistical, know-it-all persons.
Easy. These are the one who think they are far superior to you and take offence at the slightest provocation, or otherwise. They are too defensive for their own good.

From these, I make an educated guess on who was offended. Some PCM clone at SLU. No wonder, on one fine day, he suddenly came into my office and commented that Sweden is the top research paper producing country per person in the world.

Really. He's too sensitive. I rather enjoy such a life. Why would he take it in the wrong manner?

Haiz... some people are just like that. Too touchy for their own good.

Next time I just keep my mouth shut.

For the record, I'm awed at the fact that the Swedes work such standard hours, and yet in terms of productivity are leaps and bounds ahead of us. I'm awed by the fact that they manage to enjoy life. And awed by the fact that they are the most content people with their work in the world.

'Nuff said.