I am very fascinated by filters. The filters that we use to communicate with other people, the filters we use to take in information, the filters we use to process what we receive from our senses. What always astounds me is that I don't think I have met very many people who have all filters working.
My husband has a broken filter. We joke about it often and it's a standing joking reference with his friends. He doesn't "filter" out what's appropriate to say to someone...the switch just doesn't work. Oh, you know things like..."why would I want to go to dinner with you" comment when I asked him on a date or maybe, "I like your boobs hanging down like that". At times this can and is amusing...others...let's just say, the pillow when he is sleeping looks very inviting.
My Mother also suffers from the same affliction my husband does. The last comment, "Wow, you've really gotten big", was said to my NEWLY pregnant cousin. And yep, she is on the heavy side and would not be showing for a couple months, at least. God love her, because she was very confused when I told her that it wasn't really a very nice comment, even when well intentioned.
The people who have a broken intake filter are harder to spot. I have one such friend that will take days to process and then suddenly crap on your head because of a comment or action you did a few days ago. I've learned to expect this from her, so it's not so alarming as it once was. The severity usually coincides with her emotional state, so I tend now to pay attention. The bonus is that I can offer a comment or opinion, she will appear like she hasn't receive it, but I get a change of behavior later.
That last one is truly subjective to me. Since everyone processes differently it's always a hoot to find out what everyone experienced or how they "perceived" it. It's like looking at a Rubik cube, changing sides and potential for confusion or solutions.
