Hi, it’s me again.
A couple of years back just before Christmas one of my favorite stories as I recall goes something like this:
I was standing in a check out line and the lady in front of me was getting her items ready to check out. The woman behind the counter had taken the woman’s items, rang them up, neatly folded them, and placed them in two bags and asked, “cash, check or card?” As the customer fumbled for her wallet, I noticed a remote control for her television being pulled out from her purse. The lady behind the counter asked, “Do you always carry your remote control?” The customer’s reply was, “No but my husband refused to go shopping with me so I thought this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally.” Sounded downright snarky! There was a roar of laughter behind me…
Are you encountering people who are struggling inwardly and putting on an outward mask? You can see at the same time they are hiding resentment when questioned about anything. You know the ones who provide non-verbal cues or verbal cues because it might threaten their cozy, little world. When they do these things, they can avoid taking responsibility for what they are really doing. What is the modus operandi here?
I wondered, “Was this snark slinger a habitual offender?” The best way to deal with this type of verbal word play is to remain neutral and don’t react!
Our families frame our understanding of who we are and who we can be. We have a choice. If you want positivity in your life, you can’t steal a remote control and not expect drama.
Now, the real issue: the Snark Factor… It takes the wind out of a nasty person’s sail if you are direct, yet, non-threatening. Talk without feedback is a monologue not a conversation. You have to really open your heart and mind and be a good listener. Good communication just might solve a problem.
When I think of the story of the remote control, I often wonder did the husband and wife ever have a real conversation? If nothing else, it was entertaining and a good lesson for me not to take my husband’s remote control because I don’t like something he did or said. He just might not enjoy shopping…
Keep the circle positive, peaceful and loving. ©
Written with love.
#dontjustwaittotalk #listen
Joy M. Mills
© 2015