Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Humans.
Why Communication Is Everything
There aren't very many people who understand the power of words. In the short amount of time that I've been gifted with the opportunity to live and breathe on this planet, I've worked in various industries and lived in many shoes: From the food/service industry to transportation, the military, sales, even door-knocking. I've done enough to confidently say I got quite a bit under my belt of hands-on experience. However, all these years, I failed to notice the one thing that all of these professions had in common: Communication. I've never truly realized the effect that one simple word can have on someone's life. You can alter moods, completely change situations, you can earn that business contract, you can get that person's phone number, etc. When dealing with other human beings, you can do almost anything you wish to do if you are an effective communicator. To get to the point, many people don't see this. People are quick to assign the blame on other things that are outside their control for the negative results they encounter. However, we can't ignore the impact our words can have at the beginning of any sort of connection we attempt to make. Take a 911 operator for example. Aside from location services and actual units on the move, they rely primarily on their words to walk someone through a difficult scenario. I know this for a fact because I have been a 911 operator and still am from time to time. I work as a professional interpreter and I deal with many walks of life. There are some instances where anything and everything I say can make a life or death differences. Not only do I have to be very careful with the things I say, I have to be very careful how I say them. Your words have this same effect. I can now recognize that life is all about building relationships, and relationships are built on trust and communication. Even if someone is having a hard time trusting you, the way you carry yourself with the use of your words can determine whether you destroy that bridge or make it all the way across. I realized this when 99% of the doors that I knocked on were shut in my face because of something I said; not something I did. Can you imagine a 6ft, bearded, tattooed man knocking on your door trying to sell you windows at 11 am in the morning? Don't you think he would have to work extra hard to earn that respect from 100ft away? That was me at one point. That's what led me to be work on my words, despite my appearance. So what makes an effective communicator? Is it the tone of voice? The amount of words they know? Does it have anything to do with body language? Facial expressions? Is it even the things he or she doesn't notice, like the amount of times he or she blinks? The 'uhs' and 'umms' in between sentences? The answer is yes. Everything from the way you sound to the way your eyes are angled has a big effect on the way your message is interpreted. This should be common sense, right? It isn't. Different people have different standards when it comes to the way they communicate. While some opt for a direct and blunt approach, someone else may take that as a lack of tact. Some people prefer being reserved and minimal with their statements. Personally, I am one of those. In my short time here, I've met people from all over the world and mannerisms along with tones of voice change drastically from one continent to another. There are many things that fall just outside our reach when it comes to how people take the words we say. Nonetheless, if there is one thing we can control is how we say what we want to say.
By The Rogue Scribe8 years ago in Humans
Better This Way
A few days ago I lost someone important to me. We had been friends since we were freshman in high school but, when it came down to it, my anxiety was too much for her. She told that it was too stressful for her so she needed to end our friendship. Words cannot explain how heartbroken I was. We had been through so much together. I honestly expected us to remain friends for our entire lives. The day things ended was very dark for me. I felt like I was being punished for having this emotional and anxiety ridden part of myself. I felt like the mistake I made was opening up and reaching out during crisis. If only I had managed better on my own, then I wouldn’t have stressed her so and we would still be friends. I cried for most of the day.
By Amanda Washburn8 years ago in Humans
Relationships with Bits Mixed In?
Relationships have many different aspects within different opportunities. They can have times where they can be very pleasing and very happy but they can also have times where they can be hard and difficult. However, relationships can be a lot harder when you add into the mix Depression and major Anxiety.
By Tanisha Dagger8 years ago in Humans
Nothin' Like You
Chapter 1: Dust She's got the pedal to the floor in a hand-me-down Ford,Yeah, the only thing that's left to doIs catch a couple green lights and those baby blue eyesAre leaving nothing in that rearviewBut dust, nothing but dust'Dust' – Eli Young Band
By Kelly Roberson8 years ago in Humans
Dating Sites
When looking for love many people turn to a dating site, either as an option or as an easier answer to actually looking for someone in a conventional way. Meeting people at a bar or a party can be difficult for some or simply too time consuming in today’s high-speed world. There are many sites you can choose, prices range from free to quite high. In theory, the more you pay, the more information you can access and more you can give for yourself.
By ASHLEY SMITH8 years ago in Humans
Learning to Trust
At six years old I knew the glances that my father made at other women who were not my mother were questionable. By the time I was in fifth grade, I knew what online dating scams looked like and kept listening to my father talk about women from other countries who would 'take me shopping' and 'daddy really liked'.
By Alissa Marie8 years ago in Humans
Will Boys Be Boys?
I have a male friend who paints his toenails. He prefers glitter polish, usually in blues or purples. He is meticulous about his nails, refusing to wear sandals if his polish is chipped or grown out. He prefers shirts with beautiful abstract patterns and bright colors. He would really like to dye his hair a bright color - neon green would be his ideal. Since by now you have a good mental image of this 6’2” 250 lb guy, I feel like I need to clarify that he is straight.
By Haybitch Abersnatchy8 years ago in Humans
Who Killed Me?
Although I won't be using any names, I’m sure you will get the idea of what happened during this period in my life. It all started around the age of 15, like any normal fifteen-year-old girl, I would spend days at my friend’s house. Going out shopping, doing our hair, doing our makeup, doing our nails, listening to music, and just hanging out with the family.
By Tanisha Dagger8 years ago in Humans
Mind the Gap
Can there be too large an age gap in a relationship between a boyfriend and girlfriend? I ask for personal reasons because I am much older than my girlfriend and although we are happy, it’s our age gap that is brought up most by doubters. Personally, I think the argument over our age difference is as relevant as our height difference or eye colour difference. Though I am a foot taller and our eyes are different, that’s still not important.
By ASHLEY SMITH8 years ago in Humans
