The quality of our most cherished relationships can often be greatly compromised by miscommunication.
For example, we may say something with a specific intended meaning that is misinterpreted by another. What we meant to say is not what the other person understands. The other person understands something else, and misunderstands what we meant.
Or we may have a feeling or idea about something important that we never express or communicate to another, and therefore do not let that person know. The other person never knows what you were feeling or thinking, and the potential value of what you had to say is lost because it was never expressed.
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” (George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright and critic)
“There is no communication that is so simple that it cannot be misunderstood.” (Luigina Sgarro, Italian psychologist and author)
“I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure that you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.” (Robert McCloskey, American writer and illustrator)
Getting Personal
From your own personal experience, what are the one or two best ways to reduce miscommunication in close inter-personal relationships?
….Top of post image, Miscommunication, from dreamstime.com
