The biggest issue with people and personal relationships within family or external dynamics is the miscommunication that can happen. As technology increases and social interactions decrease, there can be many breakdowns with communication. The impersonal form of text messaging has an impact on how messages or various communications are received. There was a time when I responded to a text message with “K” my interpretation was it was short form for OKAY however only to be asked if I was mad. I had said “no why would you ask that?” I was then told that to respond with a simple K meant that you were being short and it was considered rude. How two people see something can be quite different than the intent.
I have found that sometimes when I speak and try to communicate my thoughts to another person that the message behind the sentence is received differently by the other person than how it was truly intended. There have been many times when I have communicated with my children and their reactions to what I said seemed a little excessive. When I questioned them further about why they were so upset I had discovered that how I had said something was interpreted by them in a hurtful manner which was never my intention.
Sometimes we underestimate the power of words and the use of language and how it can affect someone in a positive or negative way. Sometimes just the changing of one word could have made all the difference however the opportunity to expand or reframe the conversation was never given an opportunity. Fortunately, that is when communication skills or the ability to talk out the differences can be beneficial for both parties as things can sometimes be easily resolved through clarification of the original message.
I have seen and heard of many instances when miscommunication and or the lack of wanting to communicate erodes relationships. Yes, sometimes differences cannot be resolved through communications however to not even try is a given that the relationship will break down. To confront another person and be willing to listen to their perspective can be difficult because sometimes our pride gets in the way of listening. However, to give another person an opportunity to explain or expand on their perspective can shed a different light to any situation whether it be good or bad.
I have recently experienced this within my family and trying to communicate when someone is not receptive is quite difficult and heart breaking. When there is only a one-sided conversation in the form of written text with no room to elaborate weakens the ability to effectively communicate. The ability to work things out is then not quite an option. I can only hope that one day this family member will reach out and open the lines of communication where we can both discuss our perspectives of events that have played out.
Joanne Robinson
