There has been a new rhythm this week in our home. The teens are both out of town on exciting adventures and that means I own a new hat this week. “Mother of all dogs.” Dogs…we’re over run with them at the moment in our urban setting. The three fluffs in the house are normal in our daily life, but college boy has added a chocolate lab puppy “Grizz” who because he’s the baby, is also living IN the house. There is somewhat civil unrest to say the least as the fluffs do NOT approve. As I write in the mornings I hear the galoooomph of his paws chasing one then other the three minutes I begin coffee and morning routines. By the time I walk back to the door to take him for a walk the two gentleman fluffs and Bella are sending ugly ugly messages each step I take. Grizz just don’t get it. He thinks they are THE most delightful creatures and he’s sure that his lineage would be furthered if that black and white sweetheart Bella would give him the time of day. He jumps, hops, and squeals his best tricks only to have her roll her eyes and face the other way.
It seems that drama is in Grizz’s genes. Have you know someone like that? Whether their life is good, bad, or indifferent they have a way of creating drama in even the best situations. From Grizz’s perspective it’s passion, it’s exuberance, it’s soooooooo exciting, but from the rest of our views it’s just immaturity and issues that might require professional help at some point. Some of us think puppy boot camp boarding school brochures are looking mighty interesting at this moment. (enter howling as I type that sounds as though I’ve wounded him beyond repair)
What is your response meter? Has media, television, and today’s often “no holds barred” communications allowed your decorum button to change? I have noticed lately that folks I know have eased up on the care of their words, their responses, or anger. It seems that the vogue this year is how to speak ugly without thinking….and heaven help us, in real time media that ugly may show up as tweets, facebook posts, or video. It takes only a few moments to change public perception of who you are after years of service or work with more self control and outcomes.
I’m not talking Paula Deen either.
During a routine call regarding a question about a warranty a clerk on the phone told my husband six, SIX times “Sir, I can connect you with a supervisor but he will only do what I did.” She assumed that was what Les wished to discuss. Truth was he was asking an entirely different procedure, which when handed the supervisor was handled with dignity in a few moments. Was she afraid he was reporting her? Did she truly think a supervisor would reflect on her record? Her emotions got the best of her. Our assumptions about what others think, have thought, express and the reasons behind them often lead us into deep, murky waters for clear communication. It’s like adding a secret ingredient to an otherwise wonderful cake recipe, pickling juices may ruin the entire experience when added to the mix. After yesterday’s encounter I really spent some time thinking “what do I presume, assume, or think about….in every day situations”….wow…I assume a good bit based on my perspective of experience.
How about you?
