Ms. Communication

It seems this lovely Miss is out to destroy all relationships. Isn't it crazy how often communication breaks down and causes strain between friends, family, coworkers, etc. ? And, how one breakdown can put you in a mood that causes you to misinterpret what others say, thus, adding strain on more relationship? Terrible.
It's a strange thing, how when we hear something that causes us to feel offended, our initial response is to react to that offence, instead of judging the character of the person we're talking to. I've been on both ends of this recently - I've reacted to the misinterpretation, and have been misinterpreted... several times. Haven't we all?
It's odd, how we all speak the same language (at least the people I talk to regularly), yet we can't seem to communicate effectively. My friend the Undercover Nerd has recently stated that words, for the most part, have lost their meaning. In a large way, I'm inclined to agree. I think that's why I usually make an effort to choose my words. Unfortunately, I often choose them for their real meaning, which many times has become disconstrued in this time. I guess this often only adds to that terrible Miss' arsenal, doesn't it?

So, does that mean I should conform for unity's sake? I don't think that's the answer b/c Paul, the man we hold responsible for interpreting Christ in the greater part of the New Testament, implores us not to conform to the ways of society; but, that we should be transformed by a new way of thinking.
I want to be careful and precise; and, perhaps I should be a bit more choosy with my words when I'm with certain people. Am I the only one who, when talking with certain people about certain topics, is guaranteed to have a misunderstanding?

I've been watching Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice lately - A&E put it out a few years ago, and my wife just bought it on DVD. I've been very intrigued at how precise and careful they are with their words. Did people really speak like this? We've become so willy-nilly with our word choices; no wonder Miss Communication has been crowned queen! It's easy to wish for another time when communication breakdown is a constant in our time - but, has it ever really been any different?

Maybe I should write a disclaimer here, just to make sure....

This blog was not meant to insult or defame anyone or anything. The words used and thoughts purveyed are of the author only, and not necessarily the views of Blogger, Undercover Nerd, Jane Austen, A&E or the owners of other Blogs linked here... or anyone else I may have mentioned, or alluded to. Please read as objectively as possible.