Playing Telephone

Remember playing telephone as a kid? One person whispers their secret into the ear of the person next to them. The message gets lost in the spitty, whispered words. Before you know it, "My aunt wants to know how to sew." turns into "My aunt bought a cow to mow the shoes." Then everybody gets the giggles and collapses on the floor.

In real life though, it hardly ever ends this way. What's more likely is that the message gets turned awry and people feel hurt, angry or both. Even if the words are the same, tone and expression changes. Before you know it, you've disappointed the whole gang and you didn't even know it. It stinks. Every body is carrying baggage from a trip that no one even went on.

It's hard to clear the air sometimes. We sit on our feelings and hope they don't eat us for breakfast. They don't though. Instead, those feelings eat at us all day long, covering our thoughts, smothering good relationships, like moss on a stone.

That's the devil's game. Sneaking words and looks when they aren't invited. Just kick him out. Follow the traditions that make time to check on your relationships. Are you good with your neighbors? Your friends? Your families? Love them all to the best of your ability. Because chances are, they didn't mean to rub you the wrong way any more than I did.