Search Results: is he being polite

All names have been changed for anonymity purposes.

I'm a junior in college, majoring in Vocal Music Education. I'm very involved in several orgs on campus.

Emma and James are two of my closest friends on campus. We met in mock trial two years ago. Last year, both of our captains graduated. Emma and James ran unopposed and took over the positions.

I've always had problems being taken seriously, especially in organizations like these. Part of it has to do with the fact that I'm a music major. People assume that I'm not smart enough to pursue a "serious" subject. Another part of it has to do with the fact that I'm an optimist. I giggle a lot, and I jump around and make funny faces at people just because I can. People generally like me, but I think many of them think of me more as comic relief than anything else.

I discuss most of my ideas with actual lawyers and professors before bringing them up with the team. I've made a habit of doing this since I know people don't take me seriously, so I like to have a plan when presenting ideas. The point is, they're not bad ideas. I make a lot of connections that other people don't, but when I explain them to people who actually listen, they make perfect sense. When my ideas are used, they often end up winning the case for us. My stranger ones have won us awards at tournaments.

Yet this year, any time I bring something up that isn't directly implied in the case, James interrupts me before I can get a sentence out, and Emma just gives me a look of annoyance and tells me something I already know, which she would know I knew if she actually listened. My entire argument is usually why my idea works despite the thing that she tells me.

Some other people on the team have started following their lead. Some are downright condescending. Others are polite, but just repeat what Emma and James said without really listening to me.

I'll put more details in an update. I'd appreciate any advice on what to do.

Thank you!