Misunderstandings

Participation requested for this post!!!
I read the latest issue of Reader's Digest today.  In it, there was an anecdote that said, "My nine-year-old and I passed a store with a sign that read 'Watch Batteries Installed---$5'.  He seemed confused:  'Who would pay to watch batteries installed?' "
I laughed outloud and had to share this chuckle with Dave.  
He laughed then asked me, "Why do you think it is that misunderstandings are so funny?"  I truly had to pause and think about that.
After a bit of thought, I have come to the conclusion that misunderstandings, when they don't have serious consequences, are so humorous because we can so relate.  
How many times have you experienced a misunderstanding, one in which you thought someone meant one thing when they meant another?
George Bernard Shaw said it best when he said "The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” 

One of my favorite things to make me giggle are butchered song lyrics.  You know the famous one Phoebe coined in an episode of "Friends".  Instead of Elton John's "Hold me closer, Tiny Dancer", she thinks the lyrics are "Hold me closer, Tony Danza."  


Misunderstandings are not always so funny if they impact people in a negative fashion.  As someone who consults with folks all over the U.S., the biggest potential misunderstanding I encounter is one of time zone.  When a client asks if we can talk at 1:00 p.m., I always ask, "In which time zone?" Clearing up misconceptions before they occur can save a world of frustration.


Just for today, why not be willing to clear up any misunderstandings and laugh at the silly, harmless ones that occur.  


I am requesting for you to share your funniest misunderstandings as a comment to this post.


Happy Communicating!!
Shelly