March 2019 SOLC–Day 7
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My husband, Kurt, and I walked into the small theater, looking forward to the upcoming comedy show. Threading our way down the aisle, we finally found some seats and got settled. Kurt and I chatted, waiting for the show to start, and during our comfortable long-married silences, we casually eavesdropped. The people behind us were chatting in a stilted overly jocular way, seeming a bit self-conscious. Maybe a first date?
Not long after we sat down, the man behind us made a pronouncement. Kurt muttered, “Now there’s a story!” and I simultaneously dove into my bag to retrieve my mini writing notebook. Quickly, and surreptitiously, I jotted down the man’s words.
Later, on the way home from the show, we talked about the couple. We agreed that they sounded like they were on a first date, and that the man sounded a bit pompous.
“But, did you hear what he said about changing his life?” I asked
“Yeah! I wonder how he hit bottom three times,” Kurt replied.
“What?!” I said. “I thought he said he’d tried to change and improve his life three times!”
We debated for a while, each of us convinced our interpretation was the right one.
The next morning I found the exact words written in my notebook. I still think they support my version, but I suppose you could make a case for either interpretation. It was just chance that I wrote down the words and that we even talked about it. It made me think about how the lens of our experience impacts how we see the world. Kurt is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with inmates in the county jails. I work with 10 year olds. Hmmm…The experience also made me wonder how often we interpret things in totally different ways and never even know it! And how that might unconsciously affect us and the people around us.
This is what the man actually said:
“I’ve recreated my life three times in the past three decades…and each time for the better.”
So, what do you think?
Nix the comfort zone 
It really is a moment that defines the way the two of you experience the world professionally. Fascinating slice!
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He just read my post and still insists his interpretation is correct! lol
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I LOVE this! I wrote about my mighty blueberry yesterday, helping me shift perspective, and this did exactly that! I am with you: he chose to recreate his life 3 times, but I do see where your husband is coming from too. Fascinating to think about today!
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This had me hooked to the end. I think he recreated his life three times in three decades…for if he were on a first date, would he spill the beans about hitting rock bottom three times? Hmmmm….but…..?????
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Of course we were just guessing about the first date piece, but you raise a good point. However, people do say the darndest things!
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Powerful slice! Captured my attention all the way.
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Thanks! It’s generated some interesting discussions between me and my husband.
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Nice. That’s what keeps me grounded, the juxtaposition between the way my husband sees the world and my view. Perhaps he changed his life because of set backs or perhaps he just evolved.
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I guess I’ll never know, but I hope I’ll be more mindful of possible differences in interpretations when interacting with others.
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I love the way the many said that he’s recreated his life — with each time being better. It’s that kind of positivity that makes a difference, doesn’t it?
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See, Stacey! We (you and I) think alike. My husband and I reengaged in our debate after he read my post. Interestingly, we both think the word “recreated” is critical to our interpretations–but we still have different interpretations!
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I really appreciated how you held the comment back until the end. I was completely hooked the minute you heard it… then you wrote it down… then you talked about it and had heard it so differently… ACK! I *needed* to know. And I love your observation about “how often we interpret things in totally different ways and never even know it! And how that might unconsciously affect us and the people around us.” That said, I’m with you, but I’m a teacher, too.
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I’m glad you appreciated my holding back the comment, Amanda, because it was a deliberate choice, but I wondered if doing so might annoy the reader.
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So much depends on the assumptions we make. Riveting story!
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and on the red wheelbarrow! (couldn’t resist!) Thanks!!
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I thought of that, too! I knew you would.
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That trusty notebook…the sign of a writer! Your posts always entertain and make me think.
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Thanks! My thoughts on my mini writing notebook are kind of like the old American Express ads–“Don’t leave home without it!”
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Living a writerly life! I love that you jotted down his words, and that it was a source of conversation. I’m an eternal optimist, so I’m going with him majorly bettering himself and his situation three times. You kept me reading from the start to the end!
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I’m with you! Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. I’ve been loving your blog posts during this challenge!
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