Mixed Signals · No. 13
What does “That’s fine. We’ll manage” mean?
From your mom, after you said you can’t make it home for Thanksgiving
That’s fine. We’ll manage.
It could mean
- Disappointed, and hiding it
- Hurt, and wanting you to come
- Truly fine with it
What was going on
Your mom was disappointed and missed you. She was already planning to call and ask about your plans.
This message and its story are made up. Real messages don’t come with the story.Ask before you answer
Text loses tone, so a short message can read harsher, or softer, than it was meant. Before you answer, ask what they meant. That’s Check before assuming, one of the principles Porcupine is built on.
Got a real text like this? Run a Quills Check.
Paste it. I’ll show you a few ways it could be read, and what you could ask instead of guessing. Writing your own? Switch to “I’m sending it” and I’ll show you if the quills are up.
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Find the words with Porcupine
The Quills Check helps with one text. Porcupine helps with the whole conversation, from what you ask through their reply. It’s coming soon, and we’ll let you know when it’s ready.
Every message and story in Mixed Signals is made up.