Two Ears, One Mouth...Use Them ALL

When I wrote yesterday's post I was upset...disappointed and upset.

Earlier in the evening I had a telephone conversation with "Joe" about our plans for the night. Unfortunately, the plans got changed at the last minute and I just wasn't happy. As much as I tried to conceal it, Joe reads me like a book, even if we're just talking on the phone, and he sensed my frustration.

I saw him today and he just came out and said, "I know you were upset with me." I wasn't even gonna try to lie...I admitted it, "Yep, I sure was." And I proceeded to tell him why. Not in and angry or belligerent manner...but in a manner that allowed him to actually HEAR

and understand my frustration.

Well...after I explained my point, HE explained his. That changed EVERYTHING, and I was then able to UNDERSTAND why the plans were changed. No, I didn't like that he changed them at the last minute, but I now "get it" and understand why he did.

What this experience taught me (or rather, REINFORCED), was just how important COMMUNICATION is.

Had Joe not mentioned that he knew I was upset, we would've either NEVER mentioned it, OR I would've held it in and stewed over it for way too long. Neither of those are appropriate ways to handle anything.

So once again, I can say, "lesson learned". Every day that I live life seems to teach me something new. Class...is ALWAYS in session.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Do you hold things in when you're upset, or do you freely share what's on your mind?

Talk to me!

Til next time...