Humor me
Humor me.
Pretend that you understand
where I am coming from.
Pretend that you value
what I express.
And I shall do the same for you.
You may tell your self
that you are NOT pretending.
As will I.
That’s how clever we are.
11/28
The Dance of Mutual Pretense
Engaging in this dance of mutual pretense, where we each adopt the guise of understanding and valuing the other’s perspective, is a fascinating interplay of empathy and ego. We indulge in the act of ‘humoring’ each other, pretending to grasp the essence of the other’s standpoint.
Understanding as Pretense
The notion of pretending to understand where the other is coming from is a delicate balance between genuine comprehension and a courteous façade. It’s an acknowledgment of the limits of our understanding while simultaneously striving to bridge the gap of our divergent experiences.
Valuing Expression as a Gesture
Similarly, the act of pretending to value what the other expresses is a gesture of respect and acknowledgement. It’s a recognition of the significance of the other’s thoughts and feelings, even if they might not resonate completely with our own beliefs or understanding.
Reciprocal Pretense
This reciprocal pretense, where each party pledges to do the same for the other, creates a space of shared understanding, or at least the illusion of it. It’s a dance where both participants are aware of the steps yet choose to move in sync, appreciating the rhythm of shared dialogue.
The Illusion of Non-Pretense
Telling ourselves that we are not pretending adds another layer to this interaction. It’s a testament to our cleverness, a subtle acknowledgment of the complexity of human interactions where sincerity and pretense often intertwine.
Cleverness in Communication
This cleverness is not just in the pretense but in the recognition of its necessity. It’s an understanding that sometimes, to foster connection and communication, we need to step into the shoes of the other, even if they don’t fit perfectly.
Summary
In the dance of mutual pretense, we humor each other by pretending to understand and value the other’s perspective, creating a space of shared understanding. This act, a blend of empathy and ego, reflects our cleverness in navigating the complexities of human communication.
Glossarium
- Mutual Pretense: The act of both parties pretending to understand and value each other’s perspectives.
- Understanding as a Courtesy: The balance between genuinely trying to understand and maintaining a respectful façade.
- Reciprocal Communication: The shared effort in communication where both parties contribute to a mutual understanding, whether real or pretended.
“The cleverest of all, in my opinion, is the man who calls himself a fool at least once a month.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky
In the masquerade of words and wit,
We play our parts, in shadows lit.
Pretending to grasp, to understand,
In this clever game, hand in hand.
In the dance of dialogue, we twirl,
Each pretense, a hidden pearl.
In the laughter of life, we find,
Cleverness and folly, intertwined.
We welcome thoughts on the role of pretense in understanding and valuing each other’s perspectives.
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