I Would Rather Seal My Mouth Than Be a Big Mouth
Posted: Sunday, September 26, 2010
by Hilda Cang
Many a time, people cannot differentiate the actual meaning or purpose of another's words or ideas, thus ending up either in a disastrous consequence or a worse misunderstanding in relationship or friendship. The problem with most listeners is that they like to analyse what they hear the minute someone says something without fully understand the real meaning behind. Their brains will automatically mistakenly believe in their own assumption of the words spoken. On the other hand, a person who slips out of tongue unintentionally can also land him in unnecessary trouble or in jeopardy .
This reminds me of my late mother-in-law. She was one, as always. We didn't live together though but she used to drop by for a few days' sleep over or exchanged gossip so on. It had been my way of saying when someone came over from another town or place. " How long are you staying here ? " without any ill intent. The "here" doesn't mean "my house" but rather this town. But the old lady couldn't stand such words came out from my mouth and she thought I was mean or didn't welcome her over. but no no, it was never my wish that she thought was. I asked so that I could arrange everything in a nice way comfortably for her. In fact, it's our pleasure to have her around so that she could babysit for me. (those years)
However, talking with my mother-in-law, one got to be careful with words. She was quite a sensitive old girl. (an ex politician, a had-been) Can imagine but life had changed dramatically for her in her later years. She had quiet herself down to only serve the Lord until her last breath You see, I am being big-mouth again. Period !
Please read on and see what happened below :
A terminally ill man was confirmed to have only one month to live. In order to not appear suspicious, sad or miserable that might frighten the patient, the family made sure his visitors followed the rules of restrictions when visiting.
" Doctor said he has only one month to go, so please be co-operative when you go in to see him later. Don't look sad but act optimistic as if nothing is so wrong." said the wife.
" Don't worry, we know what to do. " assured the friends.
When they pushed open the door of the ward, with faces all smiling, almost chuckled in unison, " hey, buddy, you look good. You don't look like you are going to die ! "
Another drama
John invited four so-called friends to celebrate his birthday together. Three of them had turned up on time except one had not arrived until very late. John was getting impatient somehow and he blurted out , " what is the matter ? the one should come yet hasn't come ? " One of the three friends was unhappy when he heard this. He said to the birthday guy, " what do you mean the one should come yet hasn't come ? By that you mean we are not supposed to come ? If so, I am leaving. Goodbye !" With this one gone and the other one still not in sight, the birthday guy lost his cool too quick, he sighed, " too bad, the one should stay has gone."
Another friend was angry when he heard this. He said, " according to you, we should be the ones going. Okay, I am going! "with that said, he walked off without looking back.
Now the last friend was actually more close with the birthday guy, as a friend, he advised him, " you made all the friends angry and they left. You should be more careful with what you said. "
The birthday guy said helplessly, " they all misunderstood me. Actually I didn't mean the two of them.........."
This time was the last friend's turn to go mad, " what ? you mean to say I am the one? Is that what you mean ? You are crazy !" and he stormed out.
Your saying doesn't agree with your doing sometimes .
A humor
Mrs.Gills telephoned her contractor (who built her house) to complain about that every time when the train passed by , she would feel her house trembled especially when she was in bed.
"This is quite unusual, the house is only six months new. I am going over right now to have a look. "
Fifteen minutes later, the contractor was at Mrs.Gills' house and she was demonstrating the whole scenario to him. She suggested the contractor himself experience the "feel" of the passing of the train so the contractor was lying down on Mrs.Gills' bed. Just then, her husband came back in from work. Upon seeing a stranger lying in his bed, he was furious and shouted at him , " what do you think you are doing in our bed ?"
The contractor's hands were shaky and legs were trembling, said ," would you believe me if I say I am lying here to wait for the train ?"
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Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)Your last story really made me laugh!! Your article was quite timely for me, Hilda, as somebody said something to me which touched an extremely raw nerve, and I reacted angrily. Now I wish I hadn't. Too late, though. Me and my big mouth...Thank you for your comments. I didn't know sometimes our articles help one another. I too, laughed while writing this last story....
Really nice story Hilda.Keep entertaining...Regards, CPThank you CP for your kind comment. Glad you enjoyed my humble writings. Hope to be able to entertain some more.You're welcome...Ma'am............Regards, CP
Thank you for an article with some great parables Hilda. I sure hope I remember them before my tongue goes off on it own little trip. That's the one I have to watch the most.Thank you Linda for reading and commenting. I sure appreciate it always. Have a great day !
I am myself guilty of doing this and not intending to. I have had to learn to add more to what I say to make things clear only to be seen as very talkative. I can't win! ~ GraceWell Grace, thanks for your time reading and commenting and thanks for joining my fan club. I think this sort of thing is a life-long learning thing whereby it happens almost daily with people around you and that's why I added some humors.
Something said in anger is very difficult to take back - your article is excellent.Thanks Graham, your comment is excellent too !
Glad you posted a new article after 20 days, this is a special topic you chose. The birthday story is really bad, i think that we all have to be careful when choosing the words but one thing more important is understanding the other persons feelings first.I almost didn't remember how many days I was over lapsed to write one but thanks Hyun Soung for being so accurate. I think in general, people are careful enough to say something to another. Didn't you have a good laugh ?
You poor thing. I know what it's like to say something one way but mean it another.
You can laugh it off but honestly, it takes time to learn how to deal with it/people.
You have a great day, Dixie.
Oh, my goodness, Ms Hilda--you are very funny. Nothing makes me feel better than a good laugh. Continue doing what you are doing. It is a service to humanity to serve laughter.
Hi Suzi, I appreciate your wonderful feedback and glad you had a good laugh. (you were receiving some good medicine just then. LOL)
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