(This blog was originally posted on June 7,
2016)
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| Photo by Rick Hustead |
It took me a long time to come up with a topic for this blog.
While I waited for my temporary writer’s block to pass, I stayed busy
catching up on my e-mail and social-media accounts and mulled over possible
topics. In the background, my iPod was tuned into the “Love Songs” broadcast on
KOST 103.5 FM. One of the hosts had
posed a question for listeners. She wanted to know: What is the one thing you
require in a future long-term partner before you commit to having the
relationship with that person? Some callers said the prospective partner needed
to share the same religious beliefs or political beliefs with them. Others
cited a mutual desire for children (or not) was the priority. Financial
security was another big factor. Listening to these responses inspired today’s
essay: Communication.
Obviously, the caller and his or her prospective partner or spouse would
have needed to have a conversation or some other mode of discussion to discover
whether they were truly on the same page with this priority. The way this
information was exchanged would have also likely influenced how and whether it
was perceived, interpreted and processed. Did one or both of them have the same
level of enthusiasm/passion/dedication to this position? Was one or both of
them willing to compromise or change a behavior to accommodate the other
person’s goals and nurture the relationship? If so, how was this negotiated?
Or, was a negotiation even possible? In some cases, apparently, it was not.
As I listened to the callers’ anecdotes, it also occurred to me that
they were still communicating with
the significant other, not to mention the radio host and the thousands of
people listening to the program. Many of these callers had selected a specific
song to play for the loved one—something with lyrics that epitomized the other
person’s characteristics or paid tribute to aspects of the relationship. Whenever
someone didn’t have a song picked out, the deejay made the choice for the
caller based on the information he or she provided.
There it was, again: communication.
Of all the things we do during the day, communication is one of the most
significant activities or even pastimes we engage in. Think about the number of
conversations you have during the average day. Whether you are talking to your
spouse, your kid(s), a pet, a boss or colleague, etc., you are communicating in
some way. Writing a letter, text message or e-mail, “reacting” to someone or
something on Facebook or Twitter are all forms of communication. Even non-communication is a form of
communication. When we give someone a cold shoulder or the silent treatment is
a way to express (communicate) displeasure, anger or annoyance.
It is no wonder that good communication is one of the seven
key components to a successful relationship.
Sara R. Fogan, C.Ht. is a certified hypnotherapist based in Southern California. She graduated with honors
from the Hypnosis Motivation
Institute in 2005. For more
information about Calminsense Hypnotherapy® and to set up an
appointment, please visit http://www.calminsensehypnotherapy.com/.
© 2017
