Discussion»Questions»Language» If I were to undergo surgery to have the grammar gene removed, would I still be the same loveable Randy D after it's all said and done? ~
It doesn't work like that dear. Is no "grammar gene". You have to let it go of your own will and volition. One good way I have found is to just imagine you are letting go of an elastic cord which is binding you to your grammar obsession and just watch it fall away from you and become more and more distant while you feel less and less burdened by it. You are certainly loveable the way you are and who knows but your grammar fetish might help keep that in place? Doubt it but don't know. It is a part of you like everything else. As annoying as it can sometimes be. But why not just have fun with it than feel you need to correct others? Maybe that is fun for you!?
Being highly articulate is a major blessing. It makes it much easier to say exactly what you mean most of the time, and that greatly reduces misunderstandings with others.
If it were possible to excise the gene responsible for good grammar, I think your speech would quickly deteriorate into word salad, and people would start to mistake you for a schizophrenic in the midst of psychosis. ;)
I've never known whether your desire to correct the flawed grammar of others is an act of public-spirited kindness to protect the language from decay and help others express themselves better or a form of humour or an obsessive-compulsive disorder.
OCD is a highly heritable trait. It probably could be eliminated with gene surgery to gametes so that offspring don't suffer from it. However, caution is advised. OCD also has benefits. People with it tend to be conscientious, competent, thorough and excellent learners.
One way to relax about the flawed grammar of others is to remember that almost everyone has access to free grammar rules on the Net. Even so, if the grammar is so confused that the meaning is unclear, I think that's a good time to point it out and ask the other what they mean.
As for lovable - you have too many good traits for the presence or absence of the grammar or OCD genes to make a difference. I think your presence here is greatly appreciated.
This post was edited by inky at December 31, 2018 5:33 PM MST
Thank you . . . I'm very touched by your kind words (sob), I don't know how to (sniff) express my grati- . . . (blubber) excuse me, I can't do this right now (sniff, sniff) . . . I'll need a moment, please.
There are studies which show that the grammar gene can also affect one's attitudes towards tildes and Vegemite. Are you absolutely sure that you want this?