By Amita Quenim
I love the present generation. Time is important for them, never an issue if you try and understand them. They are so clear and simple in their conversation and thought process. You don’t need to think if you listen to them and look at it realistically.

Actually life becomes simpler if you don’t analyse much, but understand things clearly. May be, you could learn something from this generation. Living with my young boys helped me change my attitude and mould my thoughts which were acceptable to the world around me, I realised it is important to live your life with the same values but need to change your approach towards the changing world. All you do is renovate your entrance door to life by using the same solid structure which was engraved with your learned culture and values. Wow that’s all you need to create a happy and new world for you and for others connected to you.
Live a simple and clear life, rather than a complicated life. I always wonder why people complicate life, why do people give lengthy explanations. It is such a waste of time, your own time and the other person’s time.
Let’s read the following conversation which went on in a family, I was a witness and would like to share it with you. This was a family I was visiting a few years ago over breakfast. Grandparents, parents, three children aged 12, 19 and 21. At the breakfast table, we were having a great time sharing the fun and laughter and each one talking about everything that was pleasant. Suddenly the father started talking and said, ‘I want all present here to make sure that from tomorrow everyone get’s home at seven in the evening. Visitors should not be neglected. People treat us with so much love and it is wrong on our part not to care for them. However busy anyone is it does not matter. Make sure you all follow this rule.’ And the father continued eating, and left the table as he was rushing for work. All of a sudden there was a kind of tension amongst the family members, sudden silence and outburst of silent anger.
I too was wondering what happened to Shyam, their father. Why this sudden new rule in the family and why should you expect everyone to follow it without any reason. They were all grown up adults except the youngest child. I decided to take the liberty of asking Shyam, as to why this rule was being introduced, I was careful to insure that he wasn’t offended. I knew his conversation had a missing link. And guess what, I was right. The reason he said that was because they were going to have some relatives visiting them. These relatives happened to be quite popular among the family members, then why on earth would they mind being with the guest.
Did you realise the missing link? Shyam had made no mention as to why he was asking the family to be at home. No where in his conversation did he mention that Sujeet chacha and chachi (uncle and aunt) were visiting. Then how else would you expect the family to react. Shyam realised his mistake and went back to the table and said, ‘Hey guys I forgot to mention to you all that Sujeet chacha and chachi, are visiting us tomorrow’. And the family was so happy and then there was a sudden change in the environment.
How do you talk to your son, your daughter, your friend or your girlfriend, your boss or your spouse? It’s all very different, sometimes it can be complicated, but at times it can be simple. I am sure that we all would prefer the simple ways to follow in life, and for that a few rules have to be followed.
Conversation needs to be clear in language, expression and tone. Preparation and knowledge is very important. Knowing your audience and their state of mind has to be considered. Don’t take your audience for granted. Focus on the message you want to convey. Don’t be afraid of using the right words to convey the meaning. Simple vocabulary with family and friends helps the conversation remain lively and simple. However, technical terms have a better impact when you make a formal conversation.
The impact of a conversation is very strong and long lasting on a human mind. Emotions and positive attitudes are based on certain statements which one picks up in a conversation.
The best way to build up the art of conversation is at the dinner table, it is the healthiest form of interaction to keep connected and comfortable, but make sure everyone gets a fair chance to communicate and no one conveys incomplete messages like Shyam. The secret of good flow of thoughts begins with children at the dinner table and sails beyond the home. Talking connects you to others through your feelings, thoughts and ideas. It is a sure way of expression. You have to develop this art with the help of family, friends or formal training.
You have to change with time, and remember time does not change with you. No one likes to live an indefinite and stressful life and no one has the time and place to welcome the unnecessary conversation.
Life becomes simpler if you don’t analyse much, but understand things clearly. May be, you could learn something from this generation, after all you have created this generation, so take credit and follow your teachings but through them. All you do is renovate your entrance door to life by using the same solid structure which was engraved with your learned culture and values. Wow that’s all you need to create a happy and new world for you and for others connected to you.