09.16.08
On Our System
I went to the auto parts store today to get a new oil filter. What I found instead was a new insight. I read from the car booklet where my brother writes the types of oil filters he uses. So I said to the guy behind the counter, “Do you have a NAPA 1394 or a Carquest 85394–either one is fine.”
I was surprised at his response. He lowered his voice, in hushed tones said, “We don’t have Carquest. This is a NAPA store!” I think I offended him. What did I know? I didn’t speak the language of filters and car equpiment. Sure, I have a car, but all I know of it is that it is beige.
On to the smashed can store. Where I discovered some new products. Like the hair net you can wear overnight to make waves. Literally. Or the fake pizza and hot-dogs, made out of marshmallow. I don’t speak those languages either.
Then later tonight, I heard someone use “vibe” as a verb. ”I vibed that he didn’t like me.” From that exchange, I vibed that I need to become more hip.
Maybe the person tweeted that on his Twitter account. At least I speak that language, since I too am one of those Tweeple (you can follow me on trinahess).
These scenarios represented just one day in the life of a quickly-changing world. Where people have different interests, different preferences, even different languages. And if you don’t speak those languages, the other person may take offense at your remarks. How much more important to use our sense of humor, and to recognize the humor styles of other people. To prevent misunderstandings! To de-stress in the midst of all this change! To be able to vibe people to your way of thinking, to “Get Your SHINE Together!”
