How often do we hear the message “I’ll call you”? If, from
our perspective, there is some expected immediate response, we wait and wonder
when are they going to call, why haven’t they called, should I call them, do I remain
accessible and etc, etc. The other day I
was trying to make an appointment at the dentist. The person on the other end seemed
to be faced with a lot of work and said “Can I call you right back?” Sure. In my mind, there was an expectation
that the call would have been returned within, and I think I am being reasonable
here, the maximum of an hour or two. Even though the “right back” was
mentioned, a comment that kept the telephone within reach, that did not happen.
Why are we often reluctant,
or perhaps simply overlook, in requesting that the person elaborate on ‘when’
they will call? The “I’ll call you” words after a first date can be
particularly stressful as the person on the receiving end of that communication
may wonder what exactly do they mean....later today, tomorrow, next week, next month
or sometime in their life.....or was that the ultimate kiss-off.
We probably could save ourselves a lot of angst by making
our interpersonal communications more clear. Okay, I’ll call you.....but don’t sit by the
telephone. db
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