Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Communication Breakdown (12/16/10)
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TITLE: Friend or Foe | Previous Challenge Entry
By Patsy Hallum
12/22/10 -
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Jerry reached over the table and put his hand on his pal's shoulder. “Whatever it is, take it easy, we don't need a trip to the emergency room for a busted gut!”
“She called me a Con Man!”
“ Whoa, back up. Now, start at the beginning. Who called you a con man?”
“Oh, I'm sorry.” Mike took a deep breath. “I had a date tonight with a girl I really like. We went to Church. After I sang and preached, we went to the Mission and gave out gloves. She stood beside me and helped. She acted like she was having a great time. We went to Bill's afterward for a late supper.”
“Everything sounds good so far. I don't hear a problem yet.” Jerry looked at Mike with a puzzled expression.
“Well, about half way through supper, We were talking about all we'd done and what we hoped to do in the future with our lives. She told me how much she liked my preaching and singing. Then, She told me she thought I was a CON MAN! How could she think that of me?” Mike exclaimed.
“Did you ask her what made her think that?” Jerry queried.
“No, I was busy trying to be civil the rest of the evening. I really thought we could be great friends, maybe more.”
“Well, you should call her again, take her to Bill's and ask her why she thinks you are a lying con man.” Jerry advised. “ I can tell by how upset you are that this is very important to you. Please consider calling her for another date.”
“Okay, what you say makes sense. I'll call her tomorrow and get to the bottom of this. Thanks, Jerry.” Mike finished his soda and left without slamming the door. He made it home in record time, left himself a note to call Nedra and fell into bed.
Morning found him anxious for nine o'clock to roll around. He had been taught never to call anyone at home before nine. Nine was a civilized hour for all to be up, at least that was what his Mother always said.
Finally, it was nine! Mike dialed Nedra's number.
Nedra answered on the third ring. “Hello.”
“Hi.Mike here.” His voice almost cracked so bad he couldn't speak. “I wonder if you'll go to Bill's with me tonight for supper.”
“Well, yes. I'd be delighted.” Nedra was really glad to be asked, he could hear that in her voice.
“I'll pick you up at 6.”
“Wonderful, I'll be ready.”
Boy, I can't figure this out.Mike thought. She acts like she's glad to be asked out again. Does she like con people? What did I do or say that made her think so bad of me. I hope she will tell me the truth.
Later that evening at Bill's, he came right out with his question.
“Last date, you said I was a con man. What did I do that made you think I'd lie to you or anyone?”
“Lie? No. No, not lie. You give people confidence, you teach about Jesus. You convince them to love Jesus.”
“But, con man means someone that swindles people by lying to them.”
“No, Confidence means belief in powers, trustworthiness or reliability of a person or thing. Full trust. Belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities, self-confidence. Then, Condfident means having strong belief or full assurance. You're that and so much more. I just shortened Confident Confidence Man to Con Man.” Nedra was adament. “ You thought I was calling you a liar? I'm so sorry. I would never do that.”
“I think you didn't know what Con Man really was. I couldn't believe you had that idea of me. I hear what you are saying and that's a complement! Thank you. I sure am glad we got this mis-understanding cleared up. I have great hopes for our future now.” Mike reached across the table and took her hand and, to his relief, she let him. Boy, She is great! he thought. If we're going to have a future without mis-communications, though, I'd better start carrying a dictionary.
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If I may share a lesson I recently learned- There are two kinds of complement, the one you want is spelled compliment:) Very exciting and enjoyable story!