I'm back..
wow, this thread has rocketed up a few pages already. while I can understand flight's bitterness about
hearie/deafie, I don't take
deafie offended. but I have always worried I'd offend a hearie if I say it. at wrong time or wrong place and I don't say it to offend anyone of course.
flight, I think it's how deaf people nicknamed it by mouthing it,
heeariee. and I also believe
deafie means profoundly deaf. you know, like in ASL - spelling
deafIE? or
DEAFie.
just like sometimes I'd say,
oopies, sorrie! 
now, to answer to the title.. being left out of conversations! unless that friend doesn't know how to sign at all... but sure, you can see if they're trying hard to not leave you out. I get peeved enough to terminate friendship. seriously. because I'd just cry inside. I am -not- responsible to remind my friend to be a friend.
I've had enough, drives me mad. :squish: