stupid is as stupid does

the most frustrating thing is having to endure an ordeal because of one's lack of care. it doesn't take much to ask a clarifying question, but to put forth the effort...now that is the hurdle some face. it starts with one little misinterpretation, and then the next thing you know...it snowballs into this huge thing. emotions run high, resentment settles in, immature actions take place and viola...you've got a massive conflict. it usually takes quite a bit of time and energy to peel back the layers of all that has happened. and then you get to the middle, the thing that started it all. and then you find out it was something that could have been cleared up with a simple question or a reread of an email way back when. after the discovery and clarification, you don't know whether to feel relieved it wasn't a larger issue or extend your hands to beat the person because it was something so minor. in the end, communication is two-sided and no matter the care you take into conveying what you mean, it is completely up to the other person to construct their meaning from the information you gave them...with either the same amount of care or very little. you know, forest's mama was pretty wise. only, i wonder sometimes, if maybe i could get a different box of chocolates.