Can you recall the days of sending letters to someone you cared for? Or even taking photographs? And then we wait for a letter to come back and the photos to be developed. And sometimes we do not receive a letter back, or the photo reveals our inept photography skills.
Today, it is rarely an experience we encounter. We have almost instant gratification with everything we do, and we expect it. The email or text goes through and we expect an immediate response, or even demand it. All the while, we are setting the terms of our own expectations. When our expectations are not met, we are dismayed and even become resentful.
What of the other person? Possibly your repeated messaging and notes are an irritant to them. It may be inconvenient or they may not be prepared or have a response for you. How might they feel?
Possibly we can take a moment and appreciate the pause for just that: a pause. And when we do get what we were hoping for, be grateful we have it.
