Communication Versus Comprehension
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Well if Flip draws a number 6 and Flop is sitting opposite him, Flop will see a number 9.
Flip insists it’s a 6 but from where Flop is situated it is definitely a 9! Are they both right then?
I don’t think so!
So Is It A 6 Or A 9?
See, Flip is the one who drew the 6 so that’s what it is.
Flop sees a 9 because his perspective is totally from the wrong angle. If he moves over to where Flip is he will see it for what it really is.
Flop can argue till the cows come home that the 6 is really a 9 but whatever he says he will remain wrong in his wrongness!
He may continue to the bitter end to defend his belief. He is still wrong.
He needs to at least be willing to see things from Flip’s perspective, otherwise he does not have all the facts to make an informed decision.
Flop is being stubborn and opinionated. Flop may even resort to insulting Flip for believing something different.
That’s why I don’t believe in “my truth” and “your truth”.
Truth is truth.
Yes, the things we believe are true for us but the “6 or 9” example clearly shows that even when we sincerely believe something it doesn’t mean we are correct.
Could just be we’re seeing it through the wrong filter or something, like a funhouse mirror.
It always pays to look at things at all angles and consider all the possibilities before making up our minds about something.
It might just mean changing our minds about long held beliefs.
I know, I know, who wants to admit they’re wrong? Not me!
At the end of the day though it’s always best to know the truth than to hang onto a lie just because we want to be right.
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”! (John 8:32)
Fruit Is 6 and Veg Is 9
I used to believe that tomatoes were vegetables.
What do you know…they are actually fruit?!
Based on my experience of tomatoes e.g. in salads and sandwiches, I would have defended “tomatoes are vegetables” – until I found the evidence that they are indeed fruit.
Not a big deal, I know. But it makes tomato smoothies make so much more sense now! (Try it – you’ll love it).
Did She Really Say That?!
Some years ago I wrote a short article on a blogging community website.
The title was “Curl Up And Dye”. This is the name of an actual hairdressers in London.
See details here. Curl Up and Dye
The article was simply highlighting several businesses with attention-grabbing or novelty names.
Most people got it, but some were still not distinguishing the grammar.
Yes, it’s a play on words and sometimes our brains convert what we see to something that makes sense to us.
Grammar Is A Definite 6 Or 9
Having said that I don’t subscribe to the “grammar nazi” ideology whereby spelling doesn’t matter.
In fact it’s a classic example of definitive “right and wrong”.
If a word is not spelt correctly then it’s subject to correction. So yes, it DOES matter if “your” or “you’re” is written. Either there are rules in grammar or there are not. Can’t have it both ways.
Do Or Dye?
Anyway, I received some comments on the article of people who said they were initially concerned at the title.
They had obviously mistaken “dye” for “die” so to them I seemed to be advocating suicide. How far removed could that be!
There’s a saying that goes something like “I can explain something to you but how you understand it is up to you.”
As Sure As Eggs Is Eggs
We all know communication is key, but making ourselves understood is even more important.
Otherwise we’re back to “6 or 9?”
We don’t necessarily have to agree on everything. We’re not talking about whether eggs taste yummy or yucky.
Just make sure you communicate to your host that you don’t like eggs and help them comprehend that it’s not that you don’t like their cooking!
Communicatian in Mr Spock Mode
Many factors can come into play in our communications.
How we’re feeling at the time, our opinion of the other person, how much knowledge we have etc., which can all colour our judgment.
It’s best to keep a level head so we see the cold, hard facts rather than our own make-believe.
This goes back to not wanting to be wrong, or sometimes even actually wanting the other person to be wrong!
You know when you’re not particularly fond of someone so everything they do is up for criticism? Uh-oh!
Let’s be gracious to others. Clouded judgment is never a good idea. It can lead to false beliefs and bad decisions.
Remember, we want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Help Flop to Flip
Going back to Flip and Flop, Flip knows for certain of course that he has drawn a number 6.
However, he may resort to the same tactics as Flop such as insulting Flop, because he is not seeing things from Flop’s perspective.
Once Flip moves over to Flop’s position and has an “ah-ha” moment, he can respectfully explain to Flop the truth of the situation.
Whether Flop then listens is naturally out of Flip’s hands.
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
What do you think?
Here’s an excellent poem which illustrates perspectives in a powerful way.
Click here Pretty Ugly
What is your stance? Comment below!
