What's the use in trying to express one's frustrations if others don't really care to hear them?
What's the purpose in trying to communicate if others are not going to listen?
Why try to be part of a community when you are concerned that others are really only giving lip service to not making the same mistakes made elsewhere?
Maybe the answers to these questions aren't that important. But, it would be nice if someone other than me felt they were. And even if they didn't feel they were important, it would be even nicer if people didn't behave as if I'm over reacting just because I hold and express opinions that differ from theirs.
I wonder... is it a general trait of members of the Church that as long as interpersonal relations don't have to require an investment of energy on their part, things are honky dory? Is there some peculiar aspect of the sub-culture that limits the desire to reach out and connect with others beyond that of superficial acquaintanceship? Or is it just general to the civilization we live in? I mean, with the fulness of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, you would think we as Saints would be less like the general population in this respect.
Why do people find it, or at a minimum act like it is, a burden to understand others? What ever happened to the paradigm of seek to understand before being understood? Why is it that so many people are so much more willing to think that all others only act from the lowest common denominator of self-interest?
1 year ago
3 comments:
Lots of questions, Cat. I'll respond with a few of my own: What is your purpose in expressing frustration in the first place?
Are you seeking understanding? Others can communicate understanding and still not agree with your perspective.
Are you seeking empathy? Maybe others really don't know how you feel and don't care to know.
Are you seeking solutions? The solutions offered by others will probably be ones you don't like.
Are you just seeking a stronger bond of friendship? Maybe expressing frustration is not the best way to go about that.
My experience leads me to believe that when most people say "I just want you to understand me," what they really mean is "I just want you to agree with me." Those aren't the same things.
What is it you're really searching for?
Good questions, equally worthy of asking. Maybe I should be talking with Roper's Lass! :)
Why do I keep making this mistake? Instead of responding with empathy and support to a friend, I respond with rational (and often critical) analysis?
My apologies, Cat. In rereading your OP, I realized that you've accurately described my approach to so many things.
Our world needs less criticism and more compassion. Thank you for helping me remember that.
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