July 21, 2009Poison Phrase: Are you done yet?
This is more of a style difference than a Poison Phrase, but without understanding, it certainly can be heard as a Poison Phrase.
Nancy and Carla were visiting after months without seeing each other. After they had chatted for close to two hours, Nancy’s hubby came in and asked,
- Are you done yet?
His question clearly shows linear thinking even in regard to relationships. For him, even social exchanges have a beginning, a middle and an end. For his wife, connecting is not something one can ever be “done” with.
This type of thinking can make relating sound like just another project. On the other hand, it’s quite useful with work project meetings that need beginnings, middle and ends. Relational thinking – and language – can seem every bit inappropriate there.
Again, this is only a Poison Phrase to those who don’t understand linear thinkers and mindsets. To learn more about style differences, take my free style inventory here. You can get more on my How to Say Anything to Anyone CD.
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