Are You Listening to the Behavior?

It probably started with words

But they were ignored

So the change started

With a change of behavior

The change of diet

A loss of interest

Uncharacteristic displays

Warning signs

Made through changes in personality

Red flags that be easily ignored

Or even explained away

Band aid solutions are thrown out and slapped on, hoping it’ll ‘fix’ the problem

But are you listening?

Words can only go so far

And can be misconstrued

When the behavior starts to change

And the withdrawal begins

And the communication stops

Maybe it’s time for you to stop and listen

Listen to what the behavior is telling you

For it’s the behavior that will back up what they’re TRYING to tell you

Maybe it’s time for you take a step back

Maybe it’s time to change your view of the situation

Maybe it’s time to not just HEAR what’s being said

Maybe it’s time to listen to the behavior

Read between the lines

Maybe it’s time to see that you’re experience isn’t theirs

Maybe it’s time to expand your view

Because you’re experience is yours

And it’s more than likely interfering with much needed help

Just because you can’t let go of the view that’s not necessarily wrong

But one doesn’t fit every narrative

But is made to think it is

A ‘one sizes fits all’ solution

So when the words are falling flat

Going in one ear and out the other

No matter how the story is told

Maybe it’s time to start listening to the behavior, too

For the behavior will back up the words