In our mastermind, yesterday morning, we discussed how often relationships suffer, fail or break down, because of our sole/exclusive reliance on the electronic world (text and email) to communicate. We all had noticed how the reliance on email and text has created a reluctance to pick up our Smartphone and just call, often leading to failed relationships.
The title for this post comes from the lyrics of “Say Something” written by indie band, A Great Big World. The video expressed it beautifully. Sometimes, it is a question of swallowing your pride, and picking up the phone, if you are upset, or want to salvage a failing relationship..
Our mastermind partner is an executive coach. He mentioned a breakdown with the Skype session he was having with his client in Dubai. He did not hesitate to call his client’s cell directly and spend the extra dollars for this long-distance call. Part of excellent communication skills is using whatever means you have at hand to maintain a relationship, whether it is personal or business. We have called France directly, when Skype did not work, and now have an international conference call number as an added safety net.
Recently, we had no response to electronic communications from friends. Since they are avid off the grid travelers, we assumed they were off somewhere on the planet enjoying themselves. We made another recent attempt via email. We received an interesting response accusing us of “ghosting” them, by having “snail” mail (Christmas card) returned, electronic messages, and texts not responded to. Ron promptly picked up the phone, called and left a lengthy message. He assured them we loved them. As of this post five days have passed, and we had not heard back. It must be our turn to be “ghosted”!
We had another friend’s Christmas card returned by the post office also. She jotted us a note via email, and we promptly responded. The US post office occasionally works in mysterious ways. We are still waiting for a jar of honey that our graphic designer sent us from her beehives three years ago…The Internet is not fail-proof either, emails and texts disappear also, we experienced that last year with the fires, power outages and subsequent mudslides. Our friends picked up the phone!
We both like the convenience of email. At the same time, we are careful of how we write our messages, because it can be misinterpreted on the other end. We also enjoy texting also. We love seeing photos of our grand-nieces and nephews playing with their new toys. Again, we use it mostly with close friends in fun discussions. And with our clients, we usually text when we cannot respond to a phone call immediately!.
Talking on the phone may expose how we really feel or what is happening in our world, whereas a text or email does not, even if it is full of happy face emojis! Many are hiding behind their keyboards. Meaningful relationships develop through verbal communications as well as face to face.
Yes, in a verbal or face to face communication, we may be vulnerable, intimate and misunderstood, however the reward of a real meaningful relationship is worth a potential heartache. And occasionally you may have to swallow your pride, and say something!