How was your trip?

Photo by: Tim Bindner

I recently returned from a vacation out west with my wife. Though this post is not specifically about the trip, it is a rant about the result.

Upon return I have had contact with multiple people who have all asked “How was your trip?” A normal question and appreciated question. As I answered, that is where my frustration began.

In every scenario as I answered I was cut off, or even worse, the recipient of my answer told me of their experience similar to mine or an example of someone they knew who had been there and they explained what that person experienced. Also, in every case I could never finish my statement or point I was trying to relate.

I understand people are trying to relate to my experience by providing their own (or someone they know), but it really bugs me that when asked I am never given the chance to provide an answer to a question, I am asked.

My blog has become my safe place. I can write about something uninterrupted and get my point across without having the conversation turned from me to the other person. I can post my pleasurable experiences and bad ones without fear of the message being twisted, turned or ignored.

At this moment I am debating even writing about my trip or sharing my photos. It is something I will mull over for a while then decide.

I am likely guilty as well, but I want you to consider your response to someone when you ask them a question and they provide an answer to you. Is your intent to spin their answer to focus attention on yourself? Are you even conscious you do that?

I am more conscious of my rebuttals to people’s answers of questions I have asked. I am also more likely to provide answers like “it was fine” or “it was good” and leave it at that.

I may make a big deal of this, but it is how I feel and my emotions are important to me. This reminds me of a quote I once read “If we do not come to understand the error in the way we think, our self-awareness, which is our greatest blessing, is also our downfall.”–Joko Beck

Until next time,

Tim (Kilmer)