Never one to mince words when I'm worked up about something, I tend to speak (or write) before thinking. I've regretted this unfortunate propensity on many occasions. Much like drunk texting, I feel like shit after, especially if I've skewered someone who may not have deserved it.

But I will say — many have!

Recently, another person here alerted me to the fact that a Medium writer was publishing the same stories in multiple publications! I checked and it was indeed true.

I'm still not sure how this escaped Medium's attention. I didn't even think posting in more than one pub at a time was possible. Technically speaking.

But the evidence was right in front of me. Of course, I had to leave a comment on one of the replicated stories. I must have been in a particularly foul mood that day. That's happening quite frequently during these "trying times."

"Trying times," my keyster. More like Hell.

Anyway, I told the writer that his actions were wrong and that I would report him. And then I proceeded to write a scathing article about him (without actually using his name) and one of the publications that featured his story.

Oh, I was on fire with a full head of righteous steam. Three-quarters through my story, I received an alert that the writer in question had responded to my comment.

I put the fire on hold and checked it out. The person said he was embarrassed and had no idea that posting in multiple publications was against Medium rules and that he had apologized to all the pubs in question.

And then he added, "If it makes you feel better, go ahead and report me."

Bada boom.

Now, people what the hell could I do after that? I thanked the writer and wished him luck. And then I killed the freakin' story.

I may be opinionated but I'm not an asshole. My husband might disagree these days but I chalk up my bad humor to Pandemic ill will. In my case, anyway. I've been crumbling by the day but that's another story.

To cope, I sometimes take a little nip in the afternoon like my buddy P.G. Barnett. Yes. I'm back on the sauce but in moderation. I fell off the wagon but am hoping to scramble back on in the near future.

I just don't know…about anything.

Here's something I do know: I'm grateful that I saw the light before publicly skewering this writer. There are plenty of other arrogant shits who deserve a good caning, but not this person. To this person, I say:

"Thank you for having the class to rectify your mistake and for reacting to my mini-tirade with kindness and class, instead of anger, as I probably would have done. That is truly rare."

How's that? But hold up. There's one more thing I need to say to this writer. Seems like I buried the lead, but here it is:

"And thanks for following me."

Sherry McGuinn is a slightly-twisted, longtime Chicago-area writer and award-winning screenwriter. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, and numerous other publications. Sherry's manager is currently pitching her newest screenplay, a drama with dark, comedic overtones and inspired by a true story.

I hope you enjoyed this. If you're up for more: