Privacy in Conversation

 

10.25.1950

I can understand the need for privacy in a conversation on the phone. The fact that we are able to communicate with someone seemingly on the other side of the world is just bonkers. And the technology that went into the primitive telephone up until our own cell phones is crazy. I was just mentioning to Sarah about the "beauty" *cough cough* of a cell phone tower that looks like a tree.

I remember approaching the age of a preteen or teenager and how I had a crush that would call me. Me! Of all people, just to talk on the phone. I didn't know what to do with myself. In the late 90s early 2000s we had a land line phone that was connected by a stretchy cable and another phone upstairs that was wireless. The goal when she called was to use the wireless one so that way I could go anywhere around the house (within reason), but that didn't always happen, so I had to get creative for privacy. Fortunately, that landline was located next to a sliding glass door that led out to the backyard (which at the time hide beautiful grass [the fact that it doesn't now is a different story for another day]). In the backyard I would site down on the little concrete island and talk to my crush. We'd talk about her not wanting to move to Montana, about her siblings, about her parents, about her time in school. Of course I was sad for the day when she finally moved and after a while of long distance, not receiving any phone calls from her. This time, absence did not make the heart grow fonder.

Ever since those days, I've frequently felt awkward on the phone. But I did grow in my comfort with phones and especially in talking with those people that were most important to me. Honestly, that did get easier. And thankfully so (especially when I met my soon-to-be wife.

I also see the need for privacy when talking about personal matters that someone else does not need to know. Sarah frequently works with those who need energetic help, and she lovingly gives it. I give her the privacy she needs when those times come.

Dear Sir, dear Life,

Privacy in conversation is an important thing. I would hope that I treat your personal news in confidence and that you could trust me with anything that is going on in your life. Please know that your life matters to me, Peppermint Patty.

In Privacy,
The Marcie in Me

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How important is it for you that you have the ability to communicate with family and friends? Have they ever given you something in confidence? Have you ever tried to be private in your conversation, especially with those you had feelings for?

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Stay tuned...

A jealous masked old aunt, or the pretty girl you are trying to meet.