A Penny for your Thoughts

I still haven’t figured out the connection between words and actions. Some people say that “actions speak louder than words.” Others contend that words are, in and of themself, an action: if I say “I love you” then I’m actively expressing myself. But the real issue is not the latter scenario that signifies “words,” but the promising to do actions–in which case the actual action is what really counts. But the goal is to bring the promises into the same realm as the action. That is, to be reliable. If every time that I tell you I’m going to call I do and every time I say I’m moving toward a particular goal it is clear that I am doing so, then my words are of value. My words are guaranteeing an action. It’s like action is cash. If you write out a check some people will accept it. If you get a bank check most people will accept it. If you use a VISA almost everyone will accept it. And if you use cash there’s no question that everyone will accept it. Well, it’s the same with people. The best ones are those that’s word is as good as cash.

Well, relationships are a series of transactions. Both people are buying and selling, but the tender is often different. It starts off with two people giving IOUs and personal checks that will hopefully turn into cash somewhere down the line. In the end, one hopes that when there isn’t a steady stream of cash there’ll be a VISA with no limit or expiration date to take its place (like long-distance relationships…). But this isn’t always the case.

Look at people. Here I am, spending a lot of money. A lot of cash. And everything that’s not cash is guaranteed, and more reliable than any banknote or credit card. But I’m not a bank. If someone’s check bounces or IOU forgotten, I lose. I don’t necessarily lose money to give out, but I question whether my credit should be so good. Cause, not being a bank, it’s not so easy for me to keep up. And if I start losing serious money from serious people I go into debt: pain and stress. Sure, most of those personal checks are eventually redeemable. And yes, some people may be dealing with credit cards, but even credit cards require me to give up a little percent of the transaction… and that percent adds up.


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