It is becoming more and more obvious that people hold a lot in because really there's only so much you can say in a text message. And a text message isn't going to convey all the emotion behind what you're saying I don't care how many emoticons you use. However, as more and more of us use text to communicate so much more is lost in translation and even more goes unsaid and unheard.
I have learned while working in a high school that kids seem to be most affected by this as they use text much more than adults on average. They use it for everything to communicate with everyone. Their friends, their parents, their grandparents if they have them, everyone. There is no actual speaking to someone face to face. And many of them are crying out for someone to listen to them in other ways through actions and reactions.
A wonderful experiment would be to put down all electronic devices for a day and actually talk to people face to face, one on one and actually take the time to listen to the words. Make an actual phone call to someone who lives far away. Write a letter to an old friend or family member. Speak to people. I think it would change lives.
At school when a student comes to talk to me even to say hello, I always try to get them to say more by asking questions, opening up the dialogue. I encourage them to speak to me....and I always try and take the time to listen. If more of us did the same with our own friends, co-workers, and yes our very own families, we might find our relationships growing stronger, meaning more, helping someone in need. Try it....speak and listen today.
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