I try to be kind, upbeat, etc in my interactions with other people, especially at work. I want to treat others well, work together peacefully, and leave the project happy. I’ve noticed that some people (particularly more curmudgeonly folks) seem to read that attitude as naïveté, and feel like they can walk all over me or treat me like I don’t know what I’m talking about. Why is that?
i agree on that one very much. on my way into burnout my cynicism and sarcasm increased steadily (in a way i tried to get relief from my pressure in a socially acceptable way), and even tho colleagues found my sharp tongue funny, it was not a fun experience. I only stopped shortly before i broke down - i couldn’t keep the facade up anymore, if i had tried i would have my breaking moment right there.