The Soap Box
Rosalea Hostetler, Volunteer
Editor
SILENCE IS GOLDEN
Thoughts: Silence is Golden--or
is it?
What did you think or feel when you saw the “silent space” on page two?
“What is the meaning of this?” “Did someone forget to do the paste-ups
in time?” Did you laugh? Were you disgusted? Curious?
This column is actually an interactive piece to move readers into more
thoughtfulness about how they treat others in their daily lives. There
is an old school of thought that one should remain silent rather than “rock
the boat.” In a few cases, walking away might be the best solution;
but as a courtesy to the other person, always give a brief explanation
as to the pending silence or you will appear to be mean and rude.
Many times lack of response wrecks havoc in the world of others when they
are left dangling. “Not knowing” consumes a great deal of energy and creates
bad stress--none of us need more of that.
Recently two contractors said they would call back with bids on Balmer
projects. They did not do so, and we were left dangling, wondering
what to do regarding a project that needed immediate attention. Needless-to-say,
we will never consider using these unprofessional people in the future--and
the countless others before them.
Not long ago an Anthony woman told me she was considering a real estate
transaction and asked me to obtain pertinent information. I went
to great lengths to satisfy her request, but when I tried to call her many
times with the requested information, she would not accept or return my
phone call. (Apparently she has caller ID—a good/bad device that only augments
rude silence in our society but can be used appropriately for safety reasons.)
Was her behavior just plain rudeness, childish or emotionally abusive?
She is no longer worth my energy, “even for money.”
Even when
we are busy, ill or on vacation, there are plenty of ways to send brief
notices regarding our legitimate silence. Some of the busiest,
most important people in the world will return phone calls and respond
to e-mails the quickest. What does that tell you about the world
filled with the silent ones?
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