Modern Day Monty Python
“Hey.”
“Hey. How are you?”
“Good, thanks. Super achey after a 15 mile walk yesterday!”
“That’s nothing. I did a 17 mile run and I’m done in today.”
Oh. It’s all gone a bit modern day Monty Python.
The small sentences we say can have big impact. Every word we choose to use matters.
It’s not a competition.
When the Monty sketch pops up, that’s what I say, with a genuine smile.
Sometimes, if it keeps happening with the same person, I’ll say more, always staying kind and acknowledging what that person has said, because that’s the bit that didn’t happen in return. The ‘rules’ of a good conversation faltered.
It’s a scenario that often crops up around busyness. “I’ve got quite a bit on at the moment.” “That’s nothing…”.
I might bring what’s happened into focus and say, “aaah, it’s not nothing. When you say you’re busy, I respect that and I’m interested. It’s not a competition.”
Deciding when to leave things and when to address them is tricky. I believe that when we do address them in a well-intentioned and measured way, in the moment, or a little later if you need time to process, it keep boundaries healthy. That’s not something I’ve always been good at…it takes practice.
I’m really interested in our day to day communications. Making them more mindful and supporting with ways to stand up for yourself in the right way.
