Eggshells are only useful to the garbage after cracking the egg

The use of our words is highly important. There are times when the use of a word, or the emphasis in which a word is used can either build someone or something up just as easily as it can bring someone or something down. In choosing our words, we are able to better communicate to the outside world our thoughts, feelings, emotions, and points of view.

It is in our words that we should always be cautious. I am not saying we should all walk around, feeling like we are in a china shop, and not say what is important or on our mind. But it is how we say things that can convey endless options to the listener at hand.

I attempt to tell those in my life where they stand. I tell those I care, or that I am here for them not as a measure to appear the good guy. It is a measure to never let the other person guess at where they stand with me. In being an emotional person, it is also nice to hear I am appreciated, loved, missed, great, whatever it is. But my telling someone those exact same things are never in an attempt to be a recipient of the same emotion when it is not heart felt.

Recently, I have failed at this. I have used words that my listeners (friends, family, person I am dating) didn't understand. I have attempted to resolve the misunderstandings, and hopefully they are now rectified. Yet, I always wonder why I use words as a double edged sword, and am always reminded if I could just communicate in written dialogue for difficult or uneasy situations my life may be simpler. I sometimes appear snappy, or hostile, when in reality I am not feeling that emotion, and did not intend to elude that emotion. I am working on this every day, and some days feel like I am failing.

I would never hope to have those in my life feel they are walking on eggshells just to communicate with me. At the same time, I want others to know where I am coming from, and need to share this with those closest to me. How, pray tell, do we do this in our world without sometimes exuding the incorrect message. I work better in an environment where I know the game rules. If I am told something, that is all I have as a basis for what is going on. Yes, I sometimes jump to conclusions. But nine times out of ten this is due to some type of misunderstanding or missed communication where the rules have changed, unbeknown to me. There is a fine line between all these thoughts, and at the end of the day I just hope the words I say to others conveys a sense of loyalty, friendship, love, and openness rather than hostile misgivings or confusion.