THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK!

Recently, I had the displeasure of meeting *Rukky. Rukky is the outgoing, over extroverted girl. Very friendly (but shallow), talks a lot and always has an opinion about everything.

Rukky doesn't need to know you to tell you how to run your life. Bring up any topic and Rukky must contribute. Needless to say she put her foot in her mouth a lot of times; spoke without thinking, and often had to retract a lot of statements.

In our quest to appear enlightened and trendy, a lot of us become Rukkys , especially online; across all social media platforms. Quick to comment, even when talking off point. Quick to claim knowledge and familiarity. The Mr/Mrs know all’s, the Dangote’s godchild, who ‘cooks shawarmas, and ‘visits the beach in Washington DC’. From our rulers/politicians(I recently watched a politician negate and attempt to defend a speech he made previously), to the white and blue collar workers, to the youths and children. Even in our intimate relationships, a lot of conflicts will be avoided if both parties think before they speak. Here are a few tips to help us when conversing interface and across social media platforms:

You're Saying What You're not Saying - Non Verbal Communication

Ever taken note of the look on your wife's face after you've asked for your screwdriver for the fifth time that week or the body language of your teenager after you've asked him to clean his room with a juicy incentive attached (suddenly he's not so tired and the speed and precision with which the shoes are arranged in order of size and color seems effortless with a quirky smile to top it up).

Or when your wife's colleague is like "You've added weight? Why do you look so tired?'. (Not really a question, just a beyond rude observation no one should ever make.)

“Actually, me and hubby were up kind of late last night. But it was sooo worth it.” (Follow up with the best If-you-know-what-I-mean face.)

With pursed lips and arched eyebrows hubby is rummaging through the toolbox... "Dear, the spanner is in the drawer BESIDE the toolbox. You put it there because you always say you use it often and it shouldn't be with the tools you use less frequently. Remember?" (I have a special eye roll for that one)