Given that the entire world is online and some of the “stuff” posted on social media these days can absolutely ruin someone’s day, here’s a little food for thought. Spoken words and written words may be exactly the same, but they’re completely different. No, that’s not a typo nor a riddle. It’s simply pointing out that the written word has no inflection, so its message tends to be interpreted by the reader rather than the writer.
Consider this statement, “I didn’t steal your idea” and think of how it might be read._I_didn’t steal your idea (someone else may have but it wasn’t me). I didn’t steal your idea (denial). I didn’t steal your idea (I just borrowed it). I didn’t steal your idea (I stole someone else’s). I didn’t steal your idea (just some of your thoughts). Five words, five meanings. So, next time you read (or write) something on any social media platform, slow down. If reading someone else’s post, try to consider what they “might” have meant rather than what your own biases absolutely know they meant. Take a deep breath. It’ll help your blood pressure.
And, when writing your own post, read it again before you hit “send” and ask yourself what the reader might hear. Better yet, problem solved if we just minimize online chat and talk more in person. Case in point, the monthly Mix ‘n’ Mingle at the club happens from roughly 4-7 every third Tuesday in the Crescent Grill, and it’ll typically find fifty or so of your neighbors there mixing and mingling. You know, talking to one another. This event was started initially as a venue for welcoming new residents, and that’s certainly still the case, but there are also lots of regulars showing up. Regularly. No membership required. No entry fee. No minimum purchase. Just folks talking with other folks. Yep, communicating. Every word spoken with inflection. No misinterpretation. Y’all come.
Speaking of communication, do you know about Operation School Bell? It’s the signature program of Assistance League, and is kicking off its Fall “dressings” this month, providing vouchers for in-need students (as determined by school counselors) to shop for school clothes at local stores. League volunteers help organize and staff the events at Burlington Coat Factory, J.C. Penney, Kohls, and Walmart stores, all funded by the Assistance League Thrift Shop in Conroe which is staffed entirely by volunteers and gets its inventory from community donations.
So, shop at Assistance League and you’ll get great deals while helping school kids get new clothes. Win, win. Plus, it’s yet another opportunity to mix and mingle with lots of your neighbors, volunteers at the Thrift Shop. Cindy Cooper tells me they include: Linda Baker, Kathy Berringer, Cindy Cooper, Colleen Cremer, Susan Day, Marsha Dolhonde, Pat Edwards, Dolores Gonzlez, Angie Grimes, Eileen Holbart, Joyce Isenbarger, Carolyn Jones, Liz Jones, Sharon Jones, Sharon Jorczak, Marlene Keeling, Jan Kendall, Karen Krauszer, Mary Krenek, DeWitt Lamb, Judy Love, Barb Michels, Joanne Naughton, Molly Parkhill, Shirley Parrish, Sherrie Ponto, Annette Prokop, Kay Raun, Anna Richards, Nancy Sappenfield, Karen Spartz, Nancy Stewart-Newsom, Lana Sultz, Karen Walker, Phyllis Weisbrook, and Lennie Woodford. Hoping to see all of them (and you) at Bentwater’s next Mix ‘n’ Mingle.
Send Bentwater fun news and social tidbits to Bruce at Bruce@TheLakeConroeGroup.com
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