A Lesson in Communication

If you asked my husband what happens when a new mother takes time off to be with her newborn, he’d tell you that she would take a matronly leave of absence. At least, that’s what he called maternity leave a few nights ago.

If you asked me why my iPhone vibrates, I’d tell you it’s because the ring is loud and it makes me uncomfortable when it demands attention in public, causing people to stare at me while I root around in my purse. My husband would tell you it vibrates because of motors and something about what a guy named Tesla invented.

I love how we both communicate so differently, how certain words hold different meanings and certain meanings come across to both of us differently. It’s taken me awhile to learn our communication styles. Here are a few tips I’ve gleaned — These are real-life examples of our dialogue: