Talking books and asking questions
The other day, I witnessed an exchange between two people in a public place that was, at best, a misunderstanding by the one, and, at worst, a deliberate act of sabotage by the other. It was not pretty and it did not end happily for either party. I could not find an opening to intervene, such was the anger on the one side and the fluster on the other, so I completed my business and left. However, the feelings it churned within me have lingered. I was embarrassed for both people, and not a little distressed at how quickly the situation escalated when, with less emotional anxiety and more personal confidence on both sides, it likely would not have happened in the first place. This got me thinking about how difficult it can be to communicate with each other these days. So many conversations are no more than volleys back and forth of statements that stake a position without concern for understanding by either party. God forbid that we should stop, take a breath, and ask a question!