“Ray, I got a serious question?”
“I only do serious questions on the fifth Tuesday of the month. The next one is in August. And, the one after that occurs during the month that celebrates the birthday of great men.”
“I suppose you were born in October.”
“Scorpio through and through.”
“I figured. My question can’t wait.”
“You’re going against male protocol.”
“Says who?”
“Three guys I work out with at the gym. Jerry said thinking too much hurts his brain. I tend to agree with him. Besides, he said, serious questions cause conflict, bleeding gums, male PMS.”
“Hold it right there, I never heard of male PMS.”
“Now, you’re going somewhere where we can have a serious discussion. Let’s say we do this over iced tea and nachos.”
“Please take me seriously.”
“Hey M, I’m only having a little male fun. No harm intended. Okay. I’m taking you seriously. What is your serious question?”
“Let’s clear something up first.”
“Okay, M.”
“You think only guys can ask serious questions? When was the last time a guy like Jerry asked you a serious question?”
“Come on, Ray. I’m waiting.”
“Does football talk count?”
“No.”
“Does the NFL draft count?”
“No.”
“Toppings on a pizza?”
“No, no, no.”
You’re talking real serious, something that goes beyond the scope of most of my species.”
“Exactly.”
“Okay, what’s the question?”
“Why can’t people have honest discussions without getting upset, like you and me?”
When you speak, I need to listen. I need to listen not only with my ears but with my heart. I need you to know I not only heard you, but I valued what you said. We may not always agree, but when we listen with our hearts and take each other’s words seriously, a path through appears.