Is it 50/50 or Half and Half?
Average Rating: 
[0 Comment]
A few years ago my parents and I shared a meal with my paternal grandparents. While any meal at "Nanny and Papaw's" was an adventure, this time was especially entertaining. At the time, my grandfather and my father shared a hunting lease, and over lunch the subject of making deer sausage came up.
My papaw proclaimed boldly that when grinding meat, the proportion of deer meat to sausage meat was 50-50. This was all well and good until my grandmother politely corrected him, telling all of us that he was mistaken and the correct proportion was actually half and half.
For a moment, no one spoke, then in no uncertain terms my grandfather informed her that she was wrong and the correct proportion was 50-50, as he'd originally stated.
My grandmother, this time more adamantly, responded by telling all at the table that it was most certainly half and half.
This discussion, between two people well into their seventh decade, went on for several minutes while the rest of the family exchanged confused glances and tried not to laugh. Finally, my father interrupted the conversation long enough to tell his parents that they were both saying the same thing. Always one to get in the last word, my grandfather pointed his finger and triumphantly told my grandmother, "See, I told you woman!"
We all might get a laugh out of how quickly and how far off my grandparent's argument went, but if I'm honest, my wife and I have been guilty of some of the same types of communication errors. Disagreements over how I pronounce the word applicable, whether toilet paper should go over or under (the obvious answer is over), and the often repeated phrase, "When did we discuss that?" are all telltale signs that my elderly grandparents aren't the only ones who've dealt with a failure to communicate.
Although the need for good communication is rarely disputed, what it takes to actually practice it is much harder to grasp. What's often lost in the shuffle is the "how to" of communication. Consider the following three suggestions as guardrails ensuring that you stay on the road to good communication.
It Isn't What You Say, It's …
It's important to remember that our tone says as much about what we're saying as the actual words we use. I was first introduced to this concept as a child. Being a little stubborn and a lot independent, I didn't appreciate my parents correcting me. At times I'd backtalk my mother when she told me to do something such as taking out the trash. Those times would almost always result in my father and I having a sort of "Come-to-Jesus meeting," where we discussed my bad attitude. Often I'd defend myself by saying, "But Dad, I said I'd take out the trash. Why am I in trouble?" He'd then respond, "Son, it isn't what you said; it's how you said it." My words had indicated willingness, but the tone in which they were delivered had indicated anything but a willing attitude.
Related Topics:
Arguments, Attitude, Challenges, Discussions, Perspective
More from Aaron Sharp:
Kyria.com | Books
Join the Kyria.com Community!
Become a member to have access to the following:
- Full access to the bimonthly Kyria digizine, each issue focusing on a spiritual discipline or theme
- 50 percent discount on all of the downloadable resources in the Kyria Store
- Hundreds of members-only articles for thoughtful, influential women
downloadable guides
Sabbath Rest in a World of Stress
Practical insights for how to live a life that honors the spirit of Sabbath-rest.
The Mentoring Series: Nancy Ortberg
Discover leadership principles from a well-known author and respected leader.Browse More Guides
back to top
Average User Rating:
Rate & Comment on this article *