Best Human Ever
I have discovered yet another quirky trait.
(You can barely believe it, can you?)
Here it is: When I hear negative statistics, my tendency . . . is to quickly disassociate myself from them. I.e. sprint the opposite direction.
This is how it works. I read a British study that discovered 1 in 8 people talk on the phone more than they talk to their partner.
Absolutely horrible, I think. Then I mentally tack on …for those gadget-driven Brits.
Or I hear that men waste $3,000 a year by refusing to stop and ask for directions.
Thossssse men, I roll my eyes, indulging in a congratulatory, self-righteous moment for being born the right gender. ;)
And then there’s this study from the Journal of Experimental Psychology, which found Americans don’t consider non-native English speakers credible…because of their accent.
And even though, “American” is a category I fit into, I still think to myself… darn those other Americans.
But.
But.
But.
As it turns out (**pink face**), I don’t think this is the healthiest, most noble way to read statistics.
For the sake of relationships, for the sake of people, for the sake of honesty, I’ve come to believe it would be better if I erred on the side of identifying with each finding.
If I let it encourage me to spend a little less time on the phone and a little more time investing in those I love.
To prompt me to ask for help when I’m unsure.
To remind me to never dismiss what someone is saying because of their accent.
Instead of filtering the world through defensiveness, I should filter the world through potential.
Instead of making research findings into evidence that I’m a better human being, I should make them into opportunities to become one.
Do you relate? Leave me a comment.
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Shelly Miller November 14, 2011 (7:52 pm)
I had to read this one out loud to my husband (after he wanted to know what I was laughing about). Unfortunately, it hits close to home! So glad you got an email subscription box for those of us who aren’t that fancy. Enjoying DL Moody btw.
Sarah November 14, 2011 (8:06 pm)
@Shelly Was it the line about men and directions? That one still has me smirking to myself. ;) D.L. Moody is great, isn’t it? More tomorrow!
Shelly Miller November 14, 2011 (8:27 pm)
Sarah, it was actually the general idea that all the negative statistics are for “those other people”. Think my husband was born with a GPS and hard drive of statistics he can remember after hearing them once ten years ago. Guess that’s why he is leading a church planting movement! Look forward to tomorrow.
Albert Lew November 14, 2011 (9:02 pm)
I definitely relate.
With technology bringing news and information into our lives at a dizzying pace, we’ve easily become a knowledge-obsessed culture. We need to know the latest trends of everything, even items that have nothing to do with us. :)
In this era of things, we sometimes forget that we need to build more hearts than heads. Thanks for the reminder, Sarah!
Sarah November 14, 2011 (9:57 pm)
@Shelly Same here! My husband is my own personal OnStar Navigation system.
@Albert A lot of it comes down to my failure to pause and reflect in the rush, that’s for sure! Thanks for your comment.