Language Freak

My boss, Magda, is originally from Poland and, while her English skills are impressive for a non-native speaker, she still struggles with phrasing from time to time.  I've told her that I can answer any English questions she has and lately she's been taking me up on my offer.  In fact, earlier this week, she was so impressed with my skills that struggled to find the words to compliment me.  She said, "I don't want to call you the office 'language freak'; I just know that you're the expert."  I suggested that we just stick with "technical writer," since it's my job title and she laughed, apparently surprised that she forgot the obvious choice.

I don't think of my abilities as making me a freak, but it does make me stand out.  Also, with my extensive knowledge, I have a responsibility to improve the writing around me as much as I can.  I call it my "write-y sense" and it tingles. Sometimes a lot.

Still, it's never bad when your boss asks you for help because you're better at something than they are.