Hi Miaka,<P>I don't think it is a bad thing to be misunderstood, but it does present some challenges. I am from a different culture and tend to see the world through a different lens from most people. I know this. Normally when I speak, I am very brief and to the point, but this hasn't worked for me when talking to most people, so I know if I am talking to someone that doesn't know me well, I have to elaborate or risk being judged or misunderstood. The mode of communication that works for me is often off-kilter for most other people. My life experiences are also often things that most people can't relate to, so we start off on a different track right from the jump.<P>(for example, if I say "I am buddhist", this will carry a whole different meaning if I am talking to another Buddhist than it does when I am talking to a non-buddhist because of all the things that that implies. you don't have to explain this to a buddhist, but you probably will to a non-buddhist).<P>So, what do I do? <P>I can either complain about it, learn to work within the system, or surround myself with people who can communicate with me. I tend to do the last two.<P>I think you are valuable and have something to share. Don't let being misunderstood stand in the way of that. You have a bunch of people right here who would love to reach out and connect with you, but haven't found that same wavelength. They haven't given up trying. I hope you don't either.