Two and a half Men- I Understand (link to video)
This episode of Two and a half men started with Judith complaining to Alan about a picture their son drew in class. (This was not shown in the clip.)
Alan decided to confront Charlie and started talking about the issue on hand, seeking a solution, wanting to send a message across. Eventually the conversation ends when Charlie says, “I understand.” (I.e. to Alan, messaged send, problem solved.)
Judith started off being very angry at Charlie but the next thing, she started being very emotional and started crying, sharing with Charlie about her personal issues, confiding in him. In the end, she even thanks him for listening. At the end of the day, they didn’t talk much about the drawing, but she’s a happy lady.
From this we can tell that to Alan, it’s more of a problem hence a solution would be needed. To Judith, everything is linked and this drawing is only a small part of a massive complicated big picture. The issue about the drawing, to Alan, is the primary concern, but to Judith is secondary.
I find this clip particularly interesting as it reminds me of conversations I had with my parents. The very same topic, but depending on who I am talking to, it turns out very differently.
Talking to my Mum.
Mum: Will you be having lunch at home tomorrow?
Me: Nope
Mum: Going to school?
Me: Yup
Mum: Dinner
Me: Nope
Mum: Hmm.. Wonders if your brothers will be having lunch at home tomorrow. Any idea ?
Me: Nope
Mum: You heard about your brother’s latest science test results ?
Me: Nope
Mum: Do you think we should get him a tutor ?
Me *silence*
Mum: I am worried that he can’t catch up with his school work.
Me: “Ok, why don’t you ask HIM ?
My mum continues to talk about my other brother, her work, about my grandparents. At that point in time I was rushing for an assignment. I really wasn’t paying much of an attention and all I said were, Ok. I see. I understand. Eventually, my sister came back and asked her, “what happened ?” and the two of them happily went off chatting. I could hear my mum repeating whatever she just said to me, to her.
Talking to my Dad.
Dad: Having lunch at home tomorrow ?
Me: Nope
Dad: Ok.
End of conversation.
xoxo,
Andy
