The Power of Exclamation Points
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One of my favorite things to do is to open up an instant messaging client, pick a random screenname, and slowly convince that person to block me. I get a kick out of it because I’m stupid. I really like the idea of there being hundreds of people in the world who hate me. It makes me feel important.
However, every so often I do like to talk to somebody who likes me.
Christoph: It’s Alex!
Alex K: Hello! How are you?!
Awwww Alex! Every time she shows up online it makes me a very happy person. Not for any good reason at all - though she’s a great kid with cool tattoos - but simply because she puts an exclamation point after the word “hello”. She always does, and it makes me want to give her exclamation points in return, which has resulted in us becoming very good friends over the years.
Few people learn to properly harness the power of exclamation points. Some are too cynical and ubercool, while others often abuse and cheapen them. They have to be used in moderation, but no less used.
Christoph: Hello Ruca!
Ruca: hi
Christoph: Good morning!
Ruca: good morning to you!
She was able to resist the first assault, but notice how after my second exclamation point she simply could not control the happiness that filled her? She reciprocated even though it was totally out of character! This is the power of exclamation points. Use it wisely!