In the waiting room, before deciding who should apologize
In a hospital waiting room, two people sit there after hearing different things, unable to decide who should apologize first.
Scenes
- Who should say sorry first? — In the hospital waiting room, the two people say they heard the same instructions but understood them differently. The conversation stopped as they tried to decide who should apologize first.
- You heard different things — One person heard, “Please wait a moment,” while the other heard, “Go to the exam room.” Each responded to the other based on what they remembered.
- Deciding who should apologize first can shut down the conversation — When I mediate a conflict, I look separately at what each person heard and what they did afterward, before asking anyone to apologize. Once the order of apologies is decided, one person may feel they have to explain themselves first.
- Today, check just one thing — Pick one thing that comes to mind tonight and ask, “What did you hear at the time?” Even if the answer doesn’t come right away, you can start with that one question.
- An apology can come after the conversation — Once you’ve checked what each of you heard, you can look together at whether there’s still anything to apologize for. The person who speaks first doesn’t always have to apologize first.
Stories by Cheongun
- Cheongun
- When childhood comes up, we say less as we each search for an answer.
- On my birthday morning, the talk turns to caring for my parents again
- When someone believes you’re in pain
- I came home without apologizing to my child.
- Different standards for tidiness, choosing dinner at the convenience store
- I’m not sure how much to tell my spouse about the get-together with my friends.
- When I bring up the money I lent, our walk comes to a stop.
- I get short with you when I’m driving.