When in Your Life Did a Question You Asked Get a Very Angry Answer That Caught You Off Guard?

It happens more often than I would like, especially on the platform I often frequent: Quora. Almost every time I write a post, I encounter comments from users that express frustration with my contributions, and some have even blocked me from their notifications.

For instance, in the past few days, I've seen former admirers of mine disable my notifications, even though I've never intentionally tried to upset them. There's one user who bluntly told me I was "crude" and demanded that I stay off her space. For the most part, I respect this request unless someone from her 'goon squad' harasses me.

What I often do in response is either take it as a challenge and stand my ground, or choose to say nothing at all. I'm aware that there are many trolls on Quora who may misinterpret my genuine curiosity and enthusiasm as attempts to ruffle feathers. Often, my detailed questions delve into specific topics that go beyond what the original post requires, simply to ensure the information is as relevant and comprehensive as possible.

These experiences remind me of a similar encounter I had earlier in my life. At the age of 3 or 4, this question played a big role in shaping my awareness of anger and confusion:

"Why are you hurting me?"
Someone replied: "Because I said so."

This incident is a stark reminder of how even young children, for whom we are responsible, can get angry responses to their questions. As an adult, seeing kindly and educated individuals react angrily to my detailed inquiries can, at times, feel disheartening and upsetting. It's especially frustrating when someone answers a question with more questions, makes assumptions, or provides irrelevant reactions.

What I've Learned:
Often, when someone responds angrily to a simple question, it might be more about them than about the question itself. People might feel defensive or insecure, reacting with anger rather than thoughtful consideration. Instead of pouncing on the opportunity to express anger, why not stick to the topic at hand? In my experience, it's better to keep it simple and relevant.

So, the next time you find yourself tempted to respond angrily to a regular question that you've asked or received, take a moment to breathe. Instead, focus on providing a straightforward and informative answer. After all, the goal is to learn and understand, not to feed into negativity or drama.