An Inviting Word

 Do you speak to be heard, or do you speak so as to be spoken to?  Some people speak out of fear of being ignored, becoming insignificant, unimportant.  With their many words, ego-producing profound insights, they rattle on with the presumption that someone is listening.  They endure your response so that they can talk some more. I believe that less can be more.  With a few words, thoughtfully chosen out of my own comfortable silence, I might encourage someone to speak from their heart.  My few words might give them the trust that I want to listen, that I care.  It can narrow that gulf between us.  What gulf?  Ask someone how they are?  “Fine,” as a response, is the gulf.