Love is Like a Second Language...
I dream of being able to speak a second language. Both of my parents are semi-fluent in 2nd languages and I find it so inspiring to be able to connect with someone from another culture in their native language.
In high school and college, my Spanish was actually pretty decent and I regret not sticking with it, as I know that I was just starting to turn the corner in being able to speak and think in a different language.
For those of you that speak or have studied another language… I’m curious if you’ve ever experienced the following situations…
In Spanish class (all those years ago), we’d do group conversation practice and when one of us would be struggling with comprehension, instead of having our study buddy speak more slowly, we would instead have them speak louder.
Have you ever witnessed this?
It’s the oddest thing when it comes to misunderstanding and lack of comprehension… why speak louder? It just makes the whole situation more stressful.
Instead, you should be slowing down with one another… especially when you don’t understand what is being communicated.
This is true in high school Spanish class and it’s very, very true when it comes to Love…. because….
Sometimes emotions can feel like a second language and you need to slow down as you communicate in love.
If you’re communicating with your mate and it feels like one of you has lost the translation dictionary… don’t speed up or talk louder.
Instead, take a breath and slow down… together.
There is no better encouragement you can give one another during confusing, emotional, and stressful communication than to slow down and really work to understand each other.
Because getting louder only fragments communication further.
Take the time to slow down and really understand what is being said… your relationship will thank you for it.
I just know it.
Until next week,
-A