Lost in Translation

In a world where it seems we text more than we talk - I have experienced times where a well meaning message was interpreted in a way that it wasn’t intended.

I think I text the way that I talk but, not long ago I sent a message and the intonation I intended versus the intonation the receiver read it were completely different.

I remember reading the message to my sister and asking how it was possible that my message could be misunderstood. My sister read it back to me with a different intonation and it became clear.

Ugh:(

The same words read by two individuals can be interpreted completely different based on the mindset the person is in.

So how on earth do we communicate in a virtual world effectively taking into consideration that our message has to go through so many situational layers. Is the receiver tired, hungry, lonely, etc.

When I think of the complexity interpreting words, It's no wonder there is so much chaos in the world.

I feel like some of my text messages should come with a disclaimer:

The message you are about to read could have been written super fast, auto-correct may have been overlooked and I may have hit "Send" before I completed my message. Do not perceive any ill will, anger or maliciousness in this message. If you experience any of the above feelings-Please call me to confirm and clarify.

My daughter has us all using “kk” as a response now. Apparently “kk” is the same as Ok but with a intonation that all is well and it’s a happy agreement.

I find now I use emojis more then ever to convey the tone of my message.

Interestingly though I had a colleague who messaged me they were running late. I sent the thumbs up 👍 emoji.

I learned that she felt thumbs up was a rude emoji. She experienced a relationship where her partner would send the thumbs up but it was used while being passive aggressive and so that is how she interprets 👍. Which in turn has me 🤦🏻‍♀️.

The facts are in though and people think others understand their messages 90 percent of the time, but the actual statistic is only 50 percent.

(I don’t remember where I saw this stat but this isn’t investigational journalism so take it as you will)

We are what we experience and unfortunately messages get lost based on the medium used.

I feel my age when I say I remember when sending texts was easy.

By the time I take into consideration the speed of my reply and the content of my reply. It feels like I am in a hostage situation with my phone.

Our phones give the illusion that we are accessible all the time so please join me in my crusade to end the insanity of being tethered to the mind numbing fallacies that texting can bring. I think we could all use the reminder that we are not first responders(unless you are a first responder and in that case you have my utmost respect).

Can we start believing that we all have good intentions. If we haven't received a response right away- recognize it's not an attack, it's not a measurement of value and no one is being avoided.

Lastly if you are receiving passive aggressive message that are affecting your spirit then I have 2 words. Block & Delete.

Kk?!☺️