No way, dude. You’re Charlotte all the way.

I’d probably be sitting at home watching something on the TV that isn’t a cartoon and going to bed before midnight.

And maybe, just maybe, I’d go on a date.

Or maybe not. We’d probably just watch Discovery together.

I think 99% of the people who post about how awesome their life is are just trying to convince themselves that it’s true.

We love you the way you are.

DON’T read those books, Katie. If I didn’t have your snark to keep me alive, I would die a slow and painful death.

I think we need all kinds of people. But I’m glad you’re not a cookie cutter person and you’re a strong, smart woman. I love your blog posts and your FB posts and your snark. Please don’t lose that snark.

Yeah, I don’t know. Sometimes when I hear I’m “mean” I get upset (I don’t want to be actually mean) and actively try to assess what I’m doing and change things, only to determine that what’s really going on is most people want to be told they’re pretty pretty special snowflakes all the time. And no matter how great a blessing life is or whatever, I don’t think that means we need to run around lying to people all the time.

I think it’s important to be kind when something actually matters, and to always tread very lightly in serious situations when people come to you for help (because most of the time they don’t actually want advice, they want unwavering affirmation they they were the victim in whatever the situation at hand was, whether or not that is constructive in any way — and if you start offering up suggestions as to how to handle a situation: MEAN). I think manners are important, I think giving someone the benefit of the doubt is important and I think letting the people who matter to you know that you’re always there for them is important. Listening is important. I do not think jumping up and hugging every casual acquaintance or failing to voice a dissenting viewpoint because some oversensitive adult takes everything as a personal attack is important. This awesome life (hang in there!!11!) is too short for that, come on.

You’re not mean at all. You have a relatively snarky internet tone. I REALLY don’t think you should worry about condescending to people who can’t grasp darker humor or a negative opinion once in a while. You talk primarily about the internet in your last paragraph, and I really don’t feel like a person who decides to “dislike” you without hesitation or discussion because they disagree with one thing you post deserves gentler treatment than he/she just gave you.

Likely half the people with the incessant inspirational quotes are faking it anyway. I prefer “mean”/blunt/honest/snarky/funny/real people to fake ones.

Also, your mom sounds like she was awesome. Mine’s mean.

I don’t really know what I want to say, though. It’s in my head, but it doesn’t really make sense.

I always wanted to be that genuine, loves life to the fullest, people can’t get enough of, person. Who am I? Not that. I’m realistic, honest and yes, positive most of the time, but not perfect in any sense of the word.

I know plenty of people who do that ‘Life is always AWESOME!’ status updates and get about 50 thousand likes.

I post a picture of my kids screaming at me in unison and I get private messages saying, “You should cherish every moment, even the crappy times!”

What do I want to do to those people? Barf on them.

Katie, your personality isn’t always the easiest to get along with. It’s not something you do directly, it’s your humor. It’s the fact that some people have a hard time reading between the lines on the internet and take everything so dang seriously. Do you mean it when you say something mean or snarky? Probably not. But that’s you and who you are and my favorite thing about you. When I met you in person, I couldn’t believe how soft and sweet your voice is.

I only have a few people I consider good, dear friends. You are one of them. So while other people are posting that lame hang on cat, you keep doing what YOU do, because I find it refreshing, hilarious and honest.

So, please don’t stop being that person. It’s who you are. And I genuinely like it.

No, scratch that. MONTH.

HANG IN THERE!!!!1!

I’d be scared to date the Kims, too.

Also: As snarky/biting, etc., as I may seem now, I used to be really mean. I actually make a concerted effort to be nice most of the time now. No joke. I know it probably doesn’t seeeem like it, but just imagine how insufferable I was in high school. I can’t believe I had any friends.

And I love that smiling pic of Kamran. Oh and those glowing orbs too.