The Distance Created by "Remember This"「覚えておいてよ」の距離

"Remember this."

Just these few words, yet once they are spoken, they can leave a small ache in the heart. You simply forgot, but it feels as if you’ve been blamed. As if you've been labeled as someone who "couldn't do it."

The person who said it likely meant it lightly. "It’s important, you know." "I’m counting on you next time." That was probably their only intent.

But within those words, an invisible line is drawn. One side for those who remember, and another for those who don’t. One side for the capable, and another for those who failed. In a single instant, a person is pushed out of the alignment.

Everyone forgets. Age plays a part, and so does physical condition. Busyness or even the mood of the day has an influence. And yet, "Remember this" leaps over all of that and singles out "the you who didn't remember." That is why, at times, these words are cold.

There are other ways to convey the same message. "I'll tell you again later." "Let's check together." "It’s okay if you forget." With those words, the line vanishes. The alignment is maintained.

With just a slight difference, words can either divide people or connect them. When you feel the urge to say "Remember this," take another look at the feeling deep inside. Is what you want to convey a sense of blame? Or is it simply that you want to be together?

Most likely, it was always the latter.

#RememberThis
#PowerOfWords
#EmpathyInLanguage
#Inclusion
#HumanConnection
#ForgiveAndConnect
#MindfulCommunication
#BeyondEvaluation
#Compassion
#SoleilPhilosophy