Listen and silent are spelled with the same letters.
I came from a big family of stoic Scandinavians. There wasn’t a lot of conversation and when there was, it was about practical matters. There was no going deep, no talk of family history, religion (I mean that was a given, no need to talk about it), politics, the funny thing that happened that day…
I married into a family of people who like to talk. A lot. Talk a lot. They are talkers. All of ‘em. Sharing stories of the past, current events, the latest best movie or book, the awesome lunch they had and laughter. Lots of laughter. And I love them all dearly. What a fun bunch.
After a year and a half someone finally asked, “Hey. Who’s that blonde in the corner?”
So the blending of my past and my present has been challenging at times. As an introvert (Scandinavian stoic), too much conversation exhausts me. I mute the TV sometimes – even if I’m following a movie - because it’s just too much talking. Large crowds give me anxiety. Too much talking. And too much in my personal space. Oh, I have a severe case of claustrophobia, too. Elevators are not my friend. An Irish goodbye is my modus operandi.
Having grown up a stoic, quiet Scandinavian has its upside. I am perfectly happy spending time alone. I have so many creative hobbies and interests I need two lifetimes to get to them all. I am never bored. It’s why the Pandemic wasn’t all that hard for me. Well, except the fear of dying part but that’s a story for another day. We were all there.
That said ~ one-on-one friendships, even two… three at a stretch… friendships are my jam. That is my comfort zone, my happy place. Because god knows, we all need those few special people to be there. They ones who "get" us. And to be there for them.
That’s when I listen. That's when I'm silent. That’s when I’m there to hear you. To silently listen and hold your hand if you need it. Because you do that for me.
Namaste.
