Among other things I have weighed in on in forums, I have been taken to task from time to time for saying that it would bother me if my partner constantly misspells, uses words incorrectly and otherwise generally exhibits a lack of understanding of English below a certain level I find myself comfortable with. I just saw a profile (not on this site) where the lady said: "I own my own company and a bartender part-time which keeps me very busy." When I read something like that, my first thought (really!) is "Who owns the bartender the rest of the time?" It really would be tiring to me to be around someone whose words I was constantly having to interpret for their intended meaning, rather than what was actually said. (And if he keeps her very busy, why is she on a singles site?)
I am often awed by language and writing. The fact that certain small marks, most independent of any indivdiual meaning, can convey a concept is amazing to me at all. That I can write the words "a cup of coffee," or "fireworks" and someone 3000 miles from me can read that and understand what I am talking about and feel a sense of shared experience is miraculous to me. Language allows us to communicate on levels ranging from refined and melodius to crass and dissonant.
And I'm just being honest when I say it would bother me if someone I was looking to be a long-term partner with didn't share some of my views about language and have at least some degree of respect for my sensibilities regarding the matter. Expressing something imprecisely, then saying "You know what I meant," actually burdens the other person because of the speaker's lack of desire to learn how to properly express themselves.
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read more blogs!
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madamegeek
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Jan 14 @ 12:26PM
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There is nothing "odd" about being "awed"; I recommend it highly as well as participate regularly
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SallyF
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Jan 14 @ 12:32PM
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I am with you on this, Nightowl---language is fascinating, and using one's knowledge of it is simply 'good manners' in my opinion.
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stormbringer99
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Jan 14 @ 12:33PM
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A certain level of common ground is necessary in communication.
Language is fluid and there are always various ways to interpret things. A good grasp of the English language and some excellent grammar skills can help a great deal to lessen the areas of miscommunications.
However there is somewhere a person who can relate to the phrase owning a company and a bartender part-time. 
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LoveME10der2005
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Jan 14 @ 12:54PM
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I admit the English language can be confusing...the thing that gets me most is the misuse of homonyms...for example...their and there or write and right... I guess we just need to slow down and proof read what we write!  Spell check helps and I also keep a dictionary on my desk. 
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Sugar_Lee
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Jan 14 @ 6:07PM
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I find mistakes in my old blogs all the time. I even use a spell check but like the person said we get in a hurry. But I do understand that communication is very important so I will just talk all the time and we will not have a problem...   Just sayin' 
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SpiritOrnery
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Jan 14 @ 9:11PM
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You have the right to have what you prefer in your life. Forget what others try to tell you to make you feel guilty. Don't let them make you feel bad for what YOU like and want. Screw em. They are trying to control, bully and manipulate you. Stick to YOUR choices.
Also, if someone tells you you are being too picky, that is again, guilt tripping you. They are trying to control you to be what THEY think you should be. That is the height of ego! You are NOT picky. You are just very CLEAR about what you want in a relationship.  
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JimNastics
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Jan 14 @ 9:41PM
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I agree with Spirit in that you have a right to be attracted to WHATEVER it is
that you find most attractive. It's your right. You are hopefully going to share
yourself with that person long term, so satisfaction is of utmost importance.
We all have our own likes & dislikes. Certainly, a grasp on basic communication skills is beneficial to mutual understanding.
Despite that, I rank honesty, integrity, fitness and attitude much higher,
than linguistic expertise for my own searches.
But, to each their own
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