I noticed when I talked about a new idea, the other person continued the conversation by saying something else. When staying at the message level, I couldn't help but want to correct it by saying: “no, that's not what I meant.” But when I held myself back from saying anything, I got to listen and observe the other person. Then I realized she was actually communicating her understanding and experiences without mentioning anything I said.
Communicating our personal experiences and understanding leads to connection. When our experiences were close enough, the connection between us was easy. But when our experiences and understanding are further away from each other, there are gaps to be closed to feel like a real connection.
Sometimes, filling these gaps is possible. But other times, it is not. Seeing the genuine intentions of both sides and accepting the distance are helpful. When we accept what it is, we accept that connection comes in all shapes and sizes.
