That is one of the big differences between engineers and ordinary people. Engineers have developed their powers of observation of physical properties to a fine art. (They are not as good at observing emotional qualities in the people around them, and that is how they get crosswise with wives and co-workers.)
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I am what is known as an EIT. Engineer In Training. I can relate to much of this. I built my own computer. I have rebuilt automobiles. I handload ammo for firearms. I have rebuilt motorcycles. I have rebuilt lawnmowers. I build my own fireworks. My primary mode of transportation (old pickup) has cost me under $500 dollars to date. Not including gasoline and insurance. I have never bought a vehicle on payments, I always write a check for the total price. I keep my house at 55 degrees in the winter.
I correct my doctors when they make incorrect diagnoses(sp). I have argued (sucessfully) with doctors over their interpretations of xrays and MRI's and have seen fractures that they had not. I had a very heated argument with a veternarian(sp) over getting a stray dog spayed. I argued that it was obvious the dog had already been spayed. The vet said the dog had never been spayed. I finally said "fine, cut her open and see for yourself". The vet did and discovered I was correct. The vet later turned me over to a collection agency for refusing to pay for the procedure. I still have not payed. (it's the principle).
How is it that you knew that the dog had already been spayed and the vet did not? Could you see a scar that he didn't notice?
Otherwise, your post sounds mighty familiar. The problem is that the people around you get really irritated at your authoritative answers and consider you opinionated, I'll bet. You have to understand that your mind works differently than theirs, and you need to lead them along so that they come to the conclusion you have already determined and they think that they figured it out on their own.
That is how engineers get to be named 'boss'.
Are you left handed too? Two of my engineers are left handed, and that further complicates understanding between them and the rest of the world.