Say what you mean!



I have always been an avid fan of "words", they are our bridges to one another and understanding. As an advocate of communication, I have constantly disputed that the words we choose to use matter more that we realize. More often than not we fail to give heed to their meanings, how they are interpreted by others and most importantly the secondary message words send.

How many of you guys have asked a woman a question and you get a totally different answer besides a what could suffice with a “yes” or “no”. Now you know what she is actually leading to but the words chosen does very little to actually explain what she actually is trying to convey. I know this can go both ways. It’s a conditioned mode of communication we sometimes let slip off the radar. Maybe more commonly it’s the communication many women use and yes it’s truly a kind of mind reading at best. But this is how communication leans to provide a "Secondary Message". 
Here is an example:

  • "Are you in the mood for..." / instead of saying "I am in the mood for..."
  • "Are you  hungry"/ instead of saying, "I am feeling hungry"
  • "Is it cold in here"/ instead "I am cold" or "can you turn on the heat".

This meme is just an example (and maybe not the best) of what you think you understand of something general. But the initial thought changes when you read the words a second time for further clarity. 

So why do we not just use the actual words and say what we mean? Well, either way you will get there but why make it harder than it has to be? -Do you see it when it is happening to you or are you maybe the one w this dialogue but simply unaware.

The Secondary message exists in everything and in this specific meme reading those word can make you think on it otherwise, in being less direct we actually need more precision of language. The secondary message often ties to our emotion or a standard of expectations and thus it gets more compliance from the whole based on such notions. Kind of like what happens when you read a headline and are instantly led to believe the idea of something without any real explanation of presence of facts. The meme has a distinct message. For some there is this feeling or idea that your government is doing the job you appointed them to do and taking care of us and the common wealth. The reality is also that you, your hard work and tax dollars fund the government, but don’t really stop to think how you feel about the way someone else spends your hard earned money? Even if it was just a neighbor, a friend, a child or a stranger. Is that getting a little more personal than just "The Government".

Yes, all, two concepts very separate but not. I merged them to share a coupled concept. It is always just something to think about but w more awareness when you read, hear and process words. 

I challenge you to listen more closely to the words, terms and phrases you have so blissfully become used to hearing and saying. Challenge the meaning behind them, grow and live a deliberate life. Say what you really mean, respectfully, softly but also bold.

It's actually quite fun when you start to realize secondary messages (esp. those that are common) and how unnecessarily more complicated we make things.

Have a good day! (...and I am not just saying that).