Have you ever experienced a “one way” conversation?  You talked to someone, there was a transfer of information… but no real connection?

There was a student at our Heartlight residential program for teens several years ago who fit the “one way” conversation description.  Ask her how her day was going… and you got a twenty- minute soliloquy on all her likes and dislikes, her talents, her achievements and her dreams for life.

Part way through this chatter, it occurred to me that she was merely trying to engage in the best way she knew how… by impressing me.  All she really wanted was to feel valued.  She just didn’t know how to go about it.

Next time you’re in a “one way” conversation, look below the words… and value the person.

 

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