Connecting Hope

One thing I have learned. The intention of communication is not always received the way it is planned. This holds true for friendships, family, relationships, rapport with co-workers and so on.
When I spoke to a friend from high school tonight regarding teenage boys and their meanderings, I said to her how important I felt it was to communicate. All be it difficult at times. Especially if the parent’s side comes with care and concern (worry) leaving out the friendship iota for support.
Perception is one thing. Intention is another. So how can you fix a line of communication that is broken?
Had another pal the other day tell me that dinner with dad ended in a bit of a spat. That the family rule was never to sleep on ill feelings. Clean the slate and move on. She made that happen by taking a time out and heading back for a verbal chin wag to clear things up.
Back to the teenagers. Fortunately for me, I’ve always worn my feelings on my sleeve and spoken my mind, true to my word to my dear son. He gets it and I appreciate the healthy connection we have.
But for other parents, their talk may fall on deaf ears. I suggested to my friend, sharing your experiences with your son may create value in your discussions. And hopefully connect some hope that not all of what mum speaks is doom and gloom. She really is human too.

Young Love

Dad said you know it’s true love when you see the person and you feel weak at your knees. Kind of like you’re going to fall over. Personally, I have only felt that way once. Had to give my head a shake as that particular person didn’t live in the same country I did. The kind of relationship that sparks and fizzles and hits a dead end. Sad, but true. Might as well bash bricks over your head.
Yesterday I spoke with a lovely young person. She’d confided in me that her feelings had changed for her boyfriend. That didn’t surprise me given her age. I knew they had been together for a while. But not that it was three and a half years by the time June 29th rolled around. How precise. She knew it to the day.
Now I have a theory about relationships. From the woman’s point of view that is. First, let the guy do the chasing. If you don’t and you do the chasing, chances are it won’t last. The guy has to want you first.
But when it comes to teenagers, it gets complicated.
Does the guy really know what he wants from a girlfriend? After all, this is all new territory. Does the girl really know what to do with a guy?
Throw in a bunch of growing up, hormones, living at home, parents, going to school and oh yes, graduation soon - have to figure out what to do with my life… and you have the ingredients for mind games. Cause really, you don’t know what you want. You’re too young. You have to figure out your own life first, before you can share it with someone else.
That's my theory anyway... Oh to be young again.