Most of my greatest conversations started as a chore.
The usual “How are yous” and “What did you do today?”
Then, as the conversations drag on as if they hold no promise, just presence, a hesitation in sharing a secret thought that sneaks into consciousness is usually the pivotal moment.
If the right nudge and reassurance are provided, the secret thought is shared, and all of a sudden, instead of bobbing around on the surface of the water, you are diving deep into its depths.
Once the heart realizes that the tongue has shared what it once felt was forbidden without judgment from the other party, it rushes to unburden itself from all the other secrets that weigh it down.
Sometimes, tears come with the unburdening, sometimes laughter, sometimes long pauses, but one thing that is constant is the restoration of a twinkle in the eyes.
The difference between great conversations and regular ones is how patient the parties are to get past the pleasantries, how trusting they are to share a vulnerability, how kind they are to ignore the pull of judgment, and how wise they are to celebrate an unburdened heart.
Great conversations make great relationships.
– Osasu Oviawe