[AngriestLettuce]

What skills need improvement? I am 100% aware of when it is safe to interrupt and when it is not. People have different thresholds for what they consider acceptable, and there's a whole bunch of social factors to it, like in every situation.

All I've come to realise is that I don't need to let anyone I'm not close to police me. It's nonsensical. If I am breaking no laws, and simply sating my desires, then what business is it of a stranger what I do? What do I care if it makes them feel bad? While I am a generous person, it's important to remember that offense is taken, not given.

The only people who actually feel bad about someone who's interesting enough to capture the spotlight keeping it on, are those who feel so insecure in themselves and their own accomplishments, they are unable to let others have theirs. I understand that, and I sympathise. That's why I used to go along with what I was told. I too thought that was the right thing to do.

In my experience, I have had more positive social interactions in the past ~3 months I've been speaking my mind than the past 8 years I've lived as a "proper person" in this city. My strategy is improving my social success, not decreasing it. I simply do not accept the assertion that it is better to be reticent than assertive. It does not fit with what I've observed about who seems happy with their lives, and who feels helpless, anxious, and weak.