Reversing a (possibly) bad impression?

[warrenorabbits]

I'm a student at a large university in Texas who is pretty much everything anti-Texas: liberal, bisexual, flamboyant, and possessing a broad sense of humour. Clearly this personality doesn't sit well with everyone here, but for other students I see it as a filter that I can use to find like-minded people.

 

The problem is I think I've annoyed one of my Texas-born profs, whom I talk to very often, with my liberality and flamboyance especially. Today I cursed when she showed me that I'd made a mistake on a test (a mild curse that wasn't directed at anyone, mind you) and she gave me a mild chew-out about it. And I've gotten some other possibly negative vibes lately.

 

Okay, so clearly I need to take it down some notches around this more conservative woman. Most profs I know probably wouldn't mind a curse word, but this one does and I should respect that. But I hate making people uncomfortable, and I'm worried about having permanently done that with this prof. How can I, assuming that I've broken something, mend things -- especially (but not exclusively) since our prof is a liaison for job searches?

 

Saying something outright seems like a bad idea.

[Tayla]

First step was to recognize that the snafu was not welcoming to the recipient. With recognizing this error, you have an opportunity to adjust your behavior. Sounds like you already know that when in convo with this Prof , its best to stay on your best behavior. The best way sometimes to create a fresh start , is to, show it thru behavioral and speech change. You are correct in taking it down a notch when in discussion. A Prof , particularly this one, will want to know that actions speak louder then words....

I think you are wise to see this as an opportunity that can benefit yourself and your education. Best to you.

[Ronni_W]

What do you think your prof, a liaison for job searches, values more? -- directness, honesty, courage, ability to acknowledge one's mistake and give a proper expression of apology...or pretending, denying, ignoring, hiding from your mistake/oversight that you both know happened?

 

You could say to effect of you realize it wasn't very professional, respectful, polite, whatever, to use that language in front of her and you are sorry for causing her to feel uncomfortable, have to chew you out, whatever.

 

You will gain her attention/notice...for the right reasons...and most likely a measure of her respect, too.

 

Also what Tayla said...don't do it again ;-)