hadriel | 009 [Video]

[After a month or so of mostly sticking to text and voice, Lance is back to video for another network broadcast. He's still looking a little unwell, but definitely better than in his last post or any time he's spoken with someone in person since then.

He was also fortunate enough to be in his apartment when the dust storm started, so he doesn't have to camp out in some public place or with people he doesn't like. Hurray! And since pretty much everyone is stuck inside somewhere, this actually ends up being a good time to make a network post to address a few things.]

Hello, everyone. For those who just arrived or otherwise haven't met me yet, I'm Dr. Lance Sweets, and I'm a psychologist; if anyone ever needs or wants to speak to someone professionally, whether about being here or otherwise, you're welcome to send a message or call at any time.

[And that usual note out of the way--]

But I also wanted to discuss something somewhat unrelated, which is the subject of creating an organized directory of who has what skills that they're willing to teach, if asked. Many here want to learn new skills or hobbies, whether due to practicality or boredom or otherwise, but it can be difficult to figure out who to ask especially if you're new and may not want to either use the network for a general announcement, or approach someone you may not know individually.

So a list of who is willing to teach what skills, and who is alright with being asked to do so, would be beneficial a lot of people here. I can compile and maintain it as a file that can be shared.

[It's not like he's doing a whole lot at the moment, having pretty much quit working at the Clinic. He seems to briefly consider continuing with another topic but then ends the feed there; the other thing he wanted to discuss probably wouldn't go over as well as the first one, and he'd prefer everyone not get distracted.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Swift is still a little unsure with these things, but he sincerely hopes he's gotten it right. Is he doing this right?]

I can't speak for anything I know how to do, but I know Seel has quite a bit of useful skill it won't hurt him to teach others. [It might hurt them, but Swift can always come and babysit if he has to.] He's rather good at building and repairing and from what I've seen so far that could come in handy.

[Seel won't be happy, but oh well.]

That is definitely useful.

[Although Lance is actually more interested in everything else Swift said.]

Is there a reason you can't speak for your own skills? If it's that you think they won't be helpful or of interest, that's likely untrue.

[Even the smallest thing can be interesting, especially in terms of dealing with boredom.]

Quite a few of them are a little too specialized, I think. I didn't get a chance to build too many others. Unless there's a dire need for a diplomat or a leader I don't think I'd be of much use teaching.

Although I suppose I have gotten rather good at filing paperwork.

Diplomacy is actually very needed here, although I'm not sure how many would be willing to learn.

[Because negotiating and compromising doesn't seem to be high priorities for many.]

I'm happy to teach if you think it's necessary, but if there aren't people willing to learn then it's just as pointless as I already assumed it was.

I imagine Seel's skillset will probably be more useful. Or at least carry more interest.

It's up to you; some people may indeed be interested, and therefore giving the option may be worthwhile.

[But only if he's actually willing to teach, and not just out of obligation.]

It could be, although it's also possible that few would want to learn construction despite its practicality.

[Lance certainly isn't interested himself, no offense to Seel.]

I wouldn't mind if there's someone willing to learn.

I suppose that's fair. It isn't exactly glamorous, but at least there's a tangible result at the end. Something they can actually be proud of.

Then I'll include it in the list, in case someone does want to take you up on teaching it.

There are many things worth being proud of that are intangible.

Thank you.

Believe me, I'm aware of that, but sometimes people prefer to see something real. It's...more comforting, maybe.

It is more instantly gratifying.

[Material objects usually are. But that subject covered, Lance decides to shift the topic a little.]

I don't think we've met; are you a recent arrival?

People like to see what they've accomplished. [He shrugs]

No, we haven't. I've only been here for a day or two. I'm Swift.

It's nice to meet you, circumstances aside.

[And since he introduced himself in his post, he decides it's probably not necessary to do so again.]

Are you and Seel from the same world?

We are. He's my...well I think the human word is "husband?"

How long have you been together?

Around 30 years or so.

You must know each other very well, then.

I'd like to think so. I'm sure there are still things I don't know, though. He's rather good at keeping secrets.

Some amount of keeping things to yourself is healthy, as long as it doesn't interfere with your relationship.

[And if they've been together thirty years, hopefully that means it doesn't. But privacy is important, married or not.]

I suppose so. [He can't really say whether that's true, but it seems to be, at least and that's all he can really say.] It's not as if I expect to know all the secrets, but I would like to believe that I've found all the big ones. And I'm not certain that's the truth.

Is that something you've told him?

[Honesty is important in a relationship too, in balance with the privacy.]

Not in so many words. He doesn't react well to prying. [That is an understatement.]

[Lance wants to ask more questions and give more advice, but he just met Swift and doesn't know Seel all that well and so he probably shouldn't. Instead, he offers a more neutral response.]

Well, I hope you can work it out at some point.

[He means it; he wants the best for people, after all.]

So do I. But I will remind you that it's been 30 years. [If they have't worked it out yet, they probably aren't going to.]

That doesn't mean things can't change.

[Because it much more depends on the people involved than the time, after all. If they decide to change things they can do so, thirty years or not.]

Perhaps not, but both people have to be involved. And want to. [Seel does not. To be polite about it.]

[Video]

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