When it all falls apart...

Based on a true story of three friends and how a piece of news had serious consequences on their friendship. Names of the characters have been changed to protect the individuals. Only some minor modifications have been made.

Andy, Becky and Carl have been best of friends for a very long time. They’ve known each other since secondary school and their friendship has only become stronger year after year.  The year 2010 would have marked the fourteenth year they have known each other.

On a fine Tuesday afternoon, Andy asked Becky out for lunch and confided in her, sharing with her one secret that he has kept from the group for a couple of years now. Andy was gay. He explained that he had been keeping it from them as he wasn’t sure how they would react to the news of his sexual orientation. At that moment, he felt that he was ready to share the news with Becky as he felt that she would be more open to it and will continue accepting him for who he is. However, he urged Becky not to tell Carl and she agreed. They both knew that Carl would not be so accepting of this piece of news that their dear friend was a homosexual.

However, Carl found out this little secret in the worst possible way. Carl coincidentally bumped into Andy on the bus on his way home from work. Andy and his partner were holding hands. When Carl saw this, he alighted the bus immediately at the next stop, refusing to listen to any explanation from Andy. Andy tried to contact Carl that night but was unsuccessful. Andy then called Becky and explained to her what had happened.

The week after, Becky successfully arranged a meeting with Carl, without Carl knowing that Andy would be there as well. Andy and Becky thought it would be a good opportunity for him to honestly tell Carl of his secret. When Carl turned up and saw Andy, he flared up. He was upset that he was the last to know of this, but he was even more enraged to know that his friend whom he has known for so many years, turned out to be gay. He started hurling words of abuse at Andy, expressing how disappointed he was at Andy. Becky tried to explain the situation but she was also told off.

Andy then stood up to Carl, telling him it was a choice he made and left the table. Carl shouted towards Andy, ‘If you were to turn your back on this table, do not ever consider us friends anymore.’ Andy stopped in his tracks, turned slightly to face them, and say goodbye. With a look of sadness on his face, Andy turned away and left the two.

Becky tried to explain in hope to resolve the heated atmosphere. However, before she could finish, she was interrupted by Carl. Being utterly disappointed in Becky for her support for Andy’s actions, Carl also threatened to end their friendship there and then.

Becky was caught there. She valued the friendship she had with Andy and she knows that he needed all the support he could get at this point of time. But at the same time, she didn’t want the friendship with Carl to break just like that.

If you were in her shoes, what would you do?

Do you understand what I am saying? - edited

Why is effective communication important for me?

Effective communication provides me with the platform to be able to clearly express myself and avoid confusion. On several occasions when I have some information to be passed on, I sometimes find myself getting frustrated when the receiver gets it wrong. I think to myself, how hard can it be to understand what I have just said? It isn’t too much information. It is from little heated discussions that arguments and disputes might arise. When equipped with skills in effective communication, I can be more effectively understood.

By being able to effectively communicate with others, I can forge new friendships. Effective communication promotes greater opportunities for the exchange of ideas and personal opinions thus potentially turning mere acquaintances into friends. They would be able to get to know each other better especially so when they realize that the “stranger” actually shares a similar train of thought with them. And this might mark the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

Effective Communication helps me maintain and nourish my existing ties with friends and family, while also equipping me with necessary social skills to connect with even more people. With this tool, misunderstandings are less likely to occur, and even if they do, any disputes between us can be discussed and perhaps more easily sorted out. Relationships with my friends and family mean a lot to me, and it is really depressing when someone you know becomes someone you knew. Thus, my knowing of how and when to express my opinions, the more honest I can be with myself and others, unnecessary misunderstandings and frustrations can then be avoided.

Knowledge of these skills might just give me that competitive edge over the other applicants vying for a particular job. In addition, working with other colleagues would become a whole lot easier. The initial awkwardness and feelings of intimidation arising from working with a particular person for the first time would slowly wear off as people get to know each other better. Projects could then be completed more efficiently as colleagues are more aware of the different working styles within the group and problems can be quickly resolved.

In conclusion, effective communication can serve us in so many different ways, to be able to better present ourselves and also to maintaining good relationships with others. It proves itself to be an important skill to have to assist me in my future.

Photo source: http://www.fine-tooning.com

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Heya!

I've used wikis for learning purposes before but never have I used a blog for the same educational purposes. So, this should be interesting!

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