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Thought for the Day: Talking Instead of Communicating

On June 10, 2010, my wife and I were discussing an issue with our rabbi, R' Dovid Siegel, shilta, how to handle a certain issue.  At one point I got frustrated and pointed out that what I was saying was being misinterpreted.  R' Siegel said, "She is not misinterpreting.  That's what she is hearing and you need to think more about what is being heard rather than what you are saying."  Sigh... I almost never come out ahead in these discussions.

So yesterday morning I came home for breakfast and found the front door open.  I came in and asked what was happening.  Debbie said, "You said you'd be home before 7:00, so I got up at 6:30 so we could have a leisurely breakfast."  I said, "Look: it's 6:59!"  We looked at each other and laughed.  It was obvious to me that I had failed in communicating.  It was equally obvious to Debbie that I was clueless.  So we had a nice (albeit a bit rushed) breakfast.  I am counting this is as a win.  I least I finally understand that there really is a difference between what I say and what is heard.  And (thankfully, for my sake), Debbie is being patient.

Today was our 34/21 anniversary.  Many happy and healthy returns, I"YH and b'ezras HaShem!
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