The Hustle and Bustle of Life. Conversation pet peeves that are overused and underrated.
In the hustle and bustle of life we often get distracted, stressed, and forget that the people around us have lives just as complex, problematic and as real as ours. We forget to connect and when we do, it’s not really connecting, it’s just talking. Scroll down to read a few things I have observed in a typical conversation, and how to better represent ourselves and genuinely care for others.
Typical text conversation:
“Hey how are you?”
“Hey. I’m good, super busy! How about you?”
AGHH. I have been so convicted with identity and how I represent myself when having conversation, especially on social media. You’re probably asking, “Wait, how did a typical text message go to identity? That escalated!”
A few months ago, I was really convicted with saying “I am busy” in my texts and now I hardly ever do it. It was a legitimate answer but then it just ended there. Yes, it’s true, I am busy. But it bothers me because I think we try to “out-busy” one another. I don’t know why we feel like we have to justify ourselves to one another. Why do we do that?
Challenge: I challenge you to not reply “ I am busy” in any of your text messages for the next week, it will change your conversations and your perspective and you’ll be surprised how many times you actually just say it to say it. Actually write out what you’ve been up to, see what your friends are up to, and have an actual conversation.
Another thing I have been trying to stop saying without giving an explanation for is “I am tired.” That statement is used so much, and it’s a blanket statement that covers up how we’re really feeling. Instead of actually being authentic and perhaps a little vulnerable and we just say “I’m tired.” We’re all tired, but tell me what have you been doing that made you tired. We miss out on connections and communication, we’re too basic.
You might be tired and busy but you’re also: so ambitious, driven, motivated, passionate, worthy. You might also be going through a hardship, feeling sick, lonely, or frustrated. Sharing is Caring! Let someone encourage you and maybe next time someone says they’re busy you can lend them a listening ear! :)
Key points:
- You are not just busy. You’re feelings are not your identity. You are so much more then busy or tired.
- Life isn’t a competition between who you know or don’t know. You don’t have to prove yourself by trying to one up your friend’s busy schedule
- Be more intentional in your conversations, and don’t hide behind your screen.
““Never be so busy as not to think of others.””
What are your thoughts on this? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know! What conversation pet peeves drive you nuts?