WORDS AND PHRASES ARE JUST GROUPINGS OF LETTERS OR SOUNDS that we use to convey concepts, ideas, information, and to describe situations and feelings.
The words we choose don’t always mean the same thing to another person, yet we can tend to think that the meanings of words are standard and universal.
While there are definitions in dictionaries, of course, the meanings we ascribe to words can vary a little from person to person, and often involve our experiences relating to the word, where we learned it, how we’ve heard it used, and in what situations.
Someone else’s experiences of a word or phrase might be different than yours, and this might impact your ability to communicate clearly. A nuanced difference in meaning can result in a misunderstanding or disagreement.
I invite you to seek to understand what definition the other person is using. Phrases that can help with this:
~ Just to make sure we’re both on the same page, when you say [insert key word or phrase] what do you mean by that?
~ It’s possible we have different definitions of this [word or phrase]. Here’s what I take [word or phrase] to mean. What is it that you understand it to mean?
~ Help me understand what it is, exactly, that you’re referring to when you say [word or phrase] – I just want to be sure we’re both talking about the same thing, here.
Overall, INQUIRING WITH CURIOSITY CAN HELP SHIFT A CONVERSATION to a more fruitful one.
Wishing you a day of heartfelt communication underscored with understanding. ❤
(Photo by Nicole Avaglian, pexels(dot)com)