Communication, a Two Way Street

Communication must be hot. That's honest, open, and two-way.- Dan Oswald

How're you all doing? Hope your week has been great. I'm okay too. For days now I've been having series of discussions with friends on the importance of communication. Children always ramble on and on, telling us what they want and how they feel all the time and we listen. Why then can't adults communicate effectively? 

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I remember when my daughter switched on the water dispensing machine whereas water had finished in the container, I scolded her for doing that and her response jolted me. She replied 'but mummy you didn't tell me I was not supposed to put it on if there's no water inside'. See, I had assumed she should know that (yea I know it's far-fetched for a 4, almost 5 year old, to know that), but that's how we assume in life that people should know something without being told. The boss assumes the subordinate should know this and that; the wife assumes the husband should know this, and vice versa; the parents assume the children should know what to at every given time. 

Human beings shouldn't have to be mind readers as well. The importance of communication cannot be over emphasized. In our offices, we have circulars and memos with explicit instructions on what to do; it should be so in our personal lives. It's quite sad to know that so many people live with their spouses and partners, but they cannot talk to their partners. Some people date and marry without knowing what exactly their partner does for a living. I was discussing with someone and she said she didn't want to ask a lot of questions so she would not seem like a nagging woman! Haba! When did communication become nagging?. 

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As you talk, also be willing to listen. For communication to be effective, it has to be understood by the person you're communicating with. Ask questions if you're not clear on anything, and be willing to listen too. In Nigeria, I personally think we have a huge communication gap between the leaders and the citizens. I wrote about it sometime. The government do not tell the citizens their plans or of any policy they want to introduce, it'd come as a rumour, then it materialises. The citizens themselves, don't even want to listen to what the government has to say. We'd rather sit and assume the worst. 

Never take things for granted in life. Don't assume that all is well, whereas shit is about to hit the fan. If we could communicate effectively, 99% of misunderstandings will be avoided. Do not bottle up things inside, you'd just get depressed and have high blood pressure. If you're not happy, let the offender know, never assume that someone should know how you feel, or what you want; nobody is a mind-reader. 

Have a fabulous weekend. Remember to say it like you mean it. 

Hugs...