Perception is a "Flipping" Big Deal
All of us are familiar with the phrase, "Perception is everything." It has become a trite social sentiment that bounces off our ears and drifts away with little thought or care. Sadly, its meaning should demand deep intense consideration, especially in the realm of interpersonal communication. We have the overwhelming ability to process all incoming information and assign meaning to it by virtue of our own ability to simply choose and apply.
The brain has accumulated all of the sensation we have experienced, defined it, cataloged it and stored it for future reference. This process continues all day everyday of our lives. This information is our own personal "Google" account. Everything we think we know and believe is in that storage chip. It may be conscious or unconscious, no matter, it influences our perceptions.
How does this connect with interpersonal communication? Our perception storage chest creates criteria for deciding whether or not the statements of others are credible or to be ignored. Our storage chest determines whether or not another person will have a second chance at our approval or be tossed aside in disinterest.
The key to clear communication with a significant other is attempting to understand the meaning he or she has assigned to the words in the 'ol storage chest. Then hope that he or she attempts to do the same for you. In a moment of confusion the path to clarity is simple, just ask.
