Do We Really Know Who Other People Are Without Asking Them First? Pathways To Better Communication

Effective communication and participation

Woody Allen, through his protagonist in the film “Whatever Works” (2009), says:

“Everybody is happy to talk…full of misinformation” Although he refers to information on a variety of subjects that people provide usually as “experts”, we could also apply this statement when it comes to our perception and notion of another person.
Are we happy to talk about who other people are?…full of misinformation?

Do we take a minute to find out about them?

(Watch the video below for a better understanding of the subject)

Sometimes, we all think that we do know well the other person, without ever asking them one simple question:

(Marietta), Who are you?”

This might happen due to preconceptions, indifference, or ignorance of the impact, and it might lead to disconnection, estrangement, and “disaffection”. First of all, we are unable to listen to the other person because we already know…

It is very interesting to note that other synonyms of the word estrangement are the words: divorce, break up, disunity, as well as hostility and antagonization…some qualities that we can easily pick up in the video extract as the scene unfolds.

Marietta, in their discussion regarding their separation, does not refer to the third person (the other woman) as the true reason for their divorce. On the contrary, and although her husband left her for her best friend, she rather focuses on the fact that he “never understood” her.

What understanding is?

As we mentioned in our article on SHARE LV, “Is there understanding without connecting: “Where do the minds meet?”,

“The etymology of the word understand, apart from its common meaning, includes also the connotations of connection, union, participation, examination, consideration as well as that of changing (opening) of the mind.

As Marietta says: “Honey…you never took a little minute to find out about me…”.

Is it important to find out who other people are?

Under this perception, when it comes to important relationships and significant others (including our children) or even in our everyday social encounters the question is: should we lightheartedly jump to conclusions about who the other person is, or should we take some time to find out more about them (…first hand)?

Such an approach might also denote and finally signal a deeper and more meaningful connection among people (men and women alike):

How do they feel? What do they want in life? What worries them? What do they believe in? What is their worldview? What kind of person would they like to become? What are their needs? What are their true desires, dreams…strengths, fears… aspirations…Who are they…?

…and so many other questions to ask, that arise mainly out of loving curiosity and genuine interest.

Psychology, Philosophy, Culture