Wednesday, November 16, 2011


There are times when things can weigh heavy on us.  When we would prefer to withhold telling how we really feel about something in the hopes of sparing those who care about us.  But, just as I stated in yesterday’s blog about reaching out when we need help, we also need to be willing to honestly express when something bothers us rather than burying that information deep within us. 

I’ve always found that when I need to express how I’m feeling about something that’s got me uncomfortable, it’s better to do so in person.  Though we live in a modern age where texting has virtually taken over how we communicate with one another, actual emotions and intent can get jumbled when texting about feelings.  The result is that what we intended to express comes out as anything but and can often further complicate matters.

Likewise, talking to the other person on the phone, though better than texting, can still dilute the conversation’s underlying intent.  When we talk with others on the phone, we’re unable to make eye contact.  Really see the other person.  To pickup on the subtle nuances that let us know how they’re really feeling.  In addition, mannerisms don’t translate through a telephone line, making it difficult to know if the person is agitated, fidgeting, etc.

As the holidays approach, many will be put into challenging positions where they’ll need to interact with those they’d prefer to have nothing to do with.  Additionally, emotions can tend to run high during the holidays, causing a person’s tolerance and patience to dwindle significantly.  The results of these factors can be hurt feelings, overwhelming sadness, frustration and even anger. 

A good way to mitigate emotions that will undoubtedly bubble to the surface during the coming holidays is to honestly communicate when we’re nearing our wit’s end.  When we’re upset.  When we’re feeling sad, happy, overwhelmed.  By doing this face-to-face, we’ll stand a better chance of getting our true intent across without it becoming muddied.

No comments:

Post a Comment