Lack of communication leads to stress

 I remember when troubles that were caused by a lack of communication at times when teaching. This lack of communication would find you ready and prepared for a good day of teaching when all of a sudden the plans had to change due to someone's failure to communicate. That change in plans meant that hours of hard work to prepare for daily lessons were wasted as well as the addition of many more hours of prep and planning to accommodate the change in plans. Of course that happens at times for good cause and that's not a problem, but when it happens repeatedly simply because of a lack of communication that is problematic. 

Good communication matters. 

I am often faulted for too much communication. I have thought a lot about that, and in most cases, have decided to over communicate rather than under communicate. This is particularly true for situations of challenge and struggle. To not communicate the important information is to leave space for grave error or concern. Even though communication is time consuming, it is better than the errors that can occur due to lack of communication. 

Plus, if people really don't want to hear what you have to say, they can choose not to read a communication, not answer a phone, or even block you on social media or email. 

Some who do not like a lot of communication may not want the responsbility that comes with that communication. For example, if you communicate a problem and someone reads about it, then they may have some responsiblity for that problem solving. People who are bothered by too much communication might be bothered by that responsibility. 

People also have different communication patterns. Some, like me, have a lot to say, and others have little to say. There's lots of wisdom out there about when to communicate and when not to communicate, but I do believe that wisdom is heavily weighted on the male psyche and outlook, and not as closely aligned with the ways many women think, behave, and value. 

I will continue to think about good conversation and communication. I will continue to hone my skills, but I won't simply be silenced because someone finds my communication too oppressive or time consuming. If I have something to say that I believe is important to communicate, that's what I'll do. You can read it or not.