Does anyone agree with this ...'I think excessive use of punctuation is the sign of an unstable mind.'

Question

I read this as an 'Answer' to a question and I'm wondering about the level of my own 'stability.'

A fellow student in (adult) college, a young woman, said of me, "You grew a beard to show your masculinity."

I suggested that, by the same token, 'To be clean shaven means I'm trying to show my femanine side! A solidarity with my sisters, even?"

As Freud was said to have said, ''Sometimes a good cigar is nothing more ....than a good cigar."

Regards.
Sash.

Answer 1

All depends what you consider excessive, I guess. But by that criterion, poor old Henry James must have been right round the twist.

As regards beards - at around age 20 I worked out that if I continued to shave daily, I'd spend between 4 and 5 months of my life (depending on longevity) scraping at my face with a bit of metal. It seemed to me I could put the time to better use.

Answer 2

Well, I'd say it depends on whether the "excessive" punctuation is truely "excessive" or whether it's just considered that way due to the relative lack of punctuation used in today's society.

I like nothing better than sitting down in front of Yahoo answers and opening a question which is well written, with good spelling, grammar and punctuation.

My mum is a primary school teacher and spent a lot of time ensuring that my brother, my sister and I had a good grasp of the English language. I tend to get very irritated by today's ambivilence towards this matter. I don't think the use of punctuation is a sign of an unstable mind personally.

Answer 3

i too have a beard and - in the context of the beard - have been accused of:
hiding something
being too lazy to shave
being vain
having doubts about my masculinity
and, strangely,
of being secretly gay.

the real reason is simple: I get an itchy rash if i shave, so i don't.
That still doesn't stop me being:
secretive, lazy, vain, insecure and, sometimes, wondering ....

(Enough punctuation? Too much?)

Answer 4

I find it being intelligent rather than 'unstable'. Don't underestimate the power of the mind...

It can play tricks on you. Despite what people think you are a very bright individual who knows how to express themselves.

Have a good life and enjoy it

Answer 5

The same thing has been said to me. The said person turned out to be completely insane herself and had a husband she neglected to tell me about for a year. Books on the mind are great, but it's all down to how you interpret the words for yourself. Have your own mind.

Answer 6

I agree with Freud.

You seem stable to me and go for it. Punctuate all you want or not, grow a beard or shave, do whatever you want and don't worry about your stability. It seems to me that you are more worried about fitting in - conforming to other people's standards and norms. Just be yourself as you are truly.

Good luck!

Answer 7

I don't agree with the punctuation statement. I think it has more to do with a lack of confidence in the ability to express onesself in writing.

On facial hair, I too have succumbed to the cult of immortality and chosen to remove it daily. I think this has less to do with my own feminisation and more to do with society's continued obsession with eternal youth.

Answer 8

Hey --- you forgot to put a Question mark at the end of your question.
Sorry, I've got to go now ---- I'm late for signing in.
Wonder what's for pudding today --- hope it's rhubarb.

Answer 9

If used correctly, it's a sign of a mind that was paying attention in class! I think some of the shortcuts made in our language is a disgrace to us all! I know I'm not perfect, but I DO try to puncuate and spell correctly in this forum!
((((((((((To sum it up, "I don't think over-punctuating is a sign of instability")))))))))))))))
Do YOU??????????????????????????

Answer 10

the way each of us does or does not use any kind of rhyme,reason, or judgment, separates us and gives each one his or her individuality, sometimes a comma is just a period but most of the time it is purely a comma!