communication

Have you ever noticed that you can communicate with some people and not with others? Ok, for some of you I might need to reword, because you are not understanding. I have learned that communication is a two way thing. You have to speak. You have to listen. And you have to confirm that you heard what someone said.....or that they understood what you said. "I am hearing you say...is that correct?" is a good way to keep things certain.
Men and women struggle because men tend to be very basic and women tend to deal a lot with innuendo and expression. And here come the problems. It's an easy problem to solve. Women need to learn to say what they are thinking/feeling with words. Men need to learn that women pick up on all of the emotional aspects.
Most difficult of all, perhaps, are women's friendships. Because they all deal with the emotional aspects of communication, sometimes things get really really intense. And sometimes communication doesn't actually occur. Feelings get all mixed up with the words and the nuances and eventually someone is hurt. It's the weirdest thing. When we women are in this situation, it's important to stop. Listen. See if you are really hearing what you thought. Ask questions. Be blunt. Be honest. Don't pretend. Don't hide. And it will be hard. But it is really good when it happens. Communication between girlfriends. It's a sweet thing.
Communication. It's not just about talking. Nor about being in the same room. It's not about agreeing. It's about caring enough to really hear. Not just the words, but what the speaker is trying to say. And it's about letting someone know what you have heard. Sometimes it can get messy. It's easier to nod and grunt. Ask my husband. But that is unsatisfying. We all need interaction. We all need to feel like we connect. But the bottom line is that it is a risk to try to really connect.
Welcome to the adventure of communication. It's more risky that sky-diving and way more satisfying. That first jump will be terrifying. But don't despair, you'll get it.
blessings.