02/19/2026
Direct communication can get misread as tone when people are used to hearing softening language, and a simple confirmation that work is complete might be interpreted as difficult or disrespectful even when you're just being efficient and clear. For high-masking adults, this disconnect happens often enough that you start second-guessing every message you send.
You're already monitoring your words, your tone, your phrasing. You're trying to be clear without being misunderstood. And then you end up replaying the conversation later, wondering about the gap between what you meant and how it landed.
Without the cushioning phrases people are used to hearing like "just checking in," "I think maybe," or "does that make sense?" your words can get reinterpreted. They might hear attitude where you meant clarity. They might hear hostility where you were just being direct.
The disconnect isn't really about your communication. It's more about the expectation that clarity needs to be softened to feel acceptable.
