Faulty Communication.

A small town newspaper included the following classified ad in its Monday edition:

'For Sale: R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 958 after 7pm and ask for Mrs Kelly who lives with him cheap.'

On Tuesday: 'NOTICE: We regret having erred in RD Jones' ad yesterday. It should have read: One sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 958 and ask for Mrs Kelly who lives with him after 7pm.

On Wednesday the ad was confused again. Finally on Thursday the ad read: NOTICE: I, RD Jones, have no sewing machine for sale. I smashed it. Don't call 958 as the telephone has been taken out. I have not been carrying on with Mrs Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but she quit.'

Faulty communications cause innumerable problems. This is especially true in the home. In fact, the very first step to improve family relationships is to improve family communications. Family members need to talk meaningfully to each other every day; to show an interest in each other; to give constant understanding and approval; and to share and accept each other feelings.

(An ACTS Encounter Leaflet, ACTS International

Norwood South Australia)

Published with permission.