Raoul’s Two Cents: August 1, 2025

Conversations

Let’s talk about a serious topic today. Oh no!!! A serious topic!! Shush! Give it a try. You may learn something.

I had an interesting lunch with a Millennial last week. Not surprising that her values were diametrically opposed to mine. I also had lunch with a college professor who shared my same moral values even though he votes for a different political party. Finally, I had lunch with churchmates whose priorities were different from mine.

In today’s varying world views, can we be more patient with each other? We used to do that decades ago but what happened? I believe our certainty of being correct compounded with our pride to admit our mistakes happened. One player that feeds our opposing world views is the manipulative media. They know controversy builds a following and an increased viewership contributes to their million dollar revenue. Nasty click bait strategy, huh? Now that we are aware of this, perhaps we need to be reminded that we may be on the wrong side. Shock!?!

I stumbled into a very interesting video a few weeks back. This helped me during all three of my social conversations. This might help all of us handle difficult conversations better. This Pulitzer-winning author (Charles Duhigg) helped me understand that there are 3 different kinds of conversations:

• Practical conversations – where the goal is to find a solution
• Emotional conversations – where the goal is to empathize
• Social conversations (the most difficult) – where the goal is acknowledgment – where you don’t need to change each other’s mind but to let the other guy know you understand where he/she is coming from. In the end, you respect each other’s differences.

The next time you have a conversation, step back and identify what kind of conversation you are having, and work towards that goal. Even if the other person doesn’t understand this, you can lead the conversation towards that mutual goal. Play it well, and you will remain connected as friends regardless of your differences. Watch the video and learn to become a Super Communicator.

I hope this helps you and your relationships. See? It wasn’t too bad. TGIF people!

If you like my emails, please do me a favor and spread them around.

“Ultimately, the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or friendship, is conversation.” — Oscar Wilde

“The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.” — Dorothy Nevile

“Choose to have a conversation with people, rather than talking to people” — D.J. Kyos

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.” — Luke 6:38

This topic reminded me of a favorite song by Sara Groves called “Conversations”

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, California

Original art by Raoul Pascual.

Parting Shots

Thanks to Frank of Modesto, California

Thanks to Mary of Rhode Island

Thanks to Fred of Long Beach, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre, CA

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Drew of Anaheim, CA

Thanks to Maling of New Manila, Philippines

Thanks to Norm of Encino, CA

Thanks to Colleen of Washington State

I found these:

(I made this up. It’s an original joke.)

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

Got any good jokes? Come share it with rest of us!

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