The key, as in any relationship, is how you handle the anger. When what you say hurts, acknowledge he other person's pain. Don't pretend it doesn't hurt or say it "shouldn't" hurt--just show that you care. Eliminate the phrase "don't take it personally" from your vocabulary--it's insulting.

"Covering for people is sometimes necessary for a short period of time--say, if somebody is going through a crisis. But when it goes on for too long it starts to take a toll. People whose work had been exceptional started to get sloppy."

"Consumed today, Beowulf is mostly about what isn't there. And that will be the same for whatever 2016 text survives into 3016."

This just came across my desk today and I'm looking forward to devouring it very soon.

Finally got around to reading this once I saw it was available in my Scribd Selects options for this month. Love starting a good book to start the month.