Without saying a word

Dear Blog Diary,

Would I want Kuma to be able to talk?

Hell no. God she would piss me off. Be nice if she’s feeling icky or injured but I love our communication.

I believe that it’s the responsibility of the messenger to ensure the message is understood, not the receiver to understand. It can be frustrating. At times people literally/figuratively don’t speak the same language.

"Have a seat". It’s reasonable that you know what I mean. Let’s say you don’t.

“Sit on the chair.” Nada.

“The platform with the four prongs that has a back to it, rest your body on it so that your back leans against the back of the structure and your bodyweight is being supported by your butt on the horizontal platform.”

After a certain point the receiver has to acknowledge their shortcomings, but ultimately the messenger has to articulate themselves better with the idea that what is obvious to you could be alien to another. After that, it takes patience. No one wants to embrace that part.

It’s not easy. Add the component of romance and it can be wildly difficult. Professional relationships with politics and power dynamics are very delicate.

It is my belief that every single human wants three things: to be understood, valued, and loved. Every person.

Man loves his wife, understands her…takes for granted all the things she does.

Your boss values you, understands how you work…no love.

Most relationships, so much love and appreciation…but sometimes, where did that come from?

Given the choice, most people choose to be understood. In an often cruel and always indifferent world, we all “just out here tryin” (Eric catchphrase). Tryin our best to be ok, to get ahead, indulge, avoid pain. We often know we are loved and the validation we get confirms our value, but you’ll never truly have someone synced with your heart and mind. We long for that, understandably. 

The thing is, you are in control. When you feel misunderstood, ask “Am I articulating myself enough?” Or an even better perspective, doesn’t it mean something that they are still there, as unpleasant as it may be in the moment, trying to understand?

Kuma gives me all three, without saying a word.

E

#ARTiculate