My ex likes to overreact. She likes to overreact to, well, just about everything. Here’s a snippet of conversation from a little while ago:
Me: yes, why wouldnt i? havent we already been over this?
Her: no we haven’t and if we have I don’t remember.
Me: way to contradict yourself
Her: what is your problem i didn’t do anything to you?
The problem lies in the last line.
Interpretation 1: This is a run-on sentence, consisting of both interrogative and declarative parts. The question mark is in the wrong place. It should be written, “what is your problem? I didn’t do anything to you,” expressing her frustration that I would point out a flaw in her reasoning, and then explaining that she did nothing to incite my obvious rage and anger towards her.
Interpretation 2: This sentence consists of two independent clauses. It should be written, “what is your problem, I didn’t do anything to you?” expressing her frustration that I would point out a flaw in her reasoning, and then suggesting a possible explanation of my “problem.” The suggested explanation is that my obvious rage and anger are due to her not doing something to me, most likely sexual.
Of course, the intended meaning is irrelevant; she signed off immediately after that message. Regardless of the interpretation, the question was rhetorical.
Disclaimer: My grammar-related terminology, such as independent clause is very loosely applied. I actually have no idea what I’m talking about.
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