Reflections From the Kitchen Sink on Language -

Language abbreviations. Hieroglyphic-style communication with emojis.

Labels for behaviors that are less than attractive. Sometimes being old-school isn’t a bad thing, but staying semi-current is almost mandatory in the world in which we live.

As usual, I’m a little behind the times. Outside of “LOL” and an occasional “TTYS,” I have not moved into the land of messaging efficiency. A scary thing I’ve just become acquainted with is the trend of what I will label “relationship efficiency.” We don’t want to take time to type all words, and we don’t want to take time to manage social all interactions in person either. The self-centered phrasing “it’s all about me” pretty much sums up the contemporary view of life.

It will be no surprise to folks that I often find myself Googling those little letter woo-doos like “HMU” and even some of the newer social and dating terms. Initially, I was doing it just to try to keep up with my kids as I am proud to own my calling as an overzealous and hovering mom. Sometimes I find myself shocked by the lingo. I can’t help it. Some people type things I can’t imagine typing or saying. In the last little bit as I have become more acquainted with online geriatric social groups (actually a couple support groups I’m in), I have found that the same terms are applicable to all age groups. Now that I’m so cutting edge with my terminology, if there is something too frisky, I just scroll by very quickly. I even had one of my son’s friends remove me from a group that was friskier in conversation than my mind could handle. You really have to watch that stuff. Again, old-school thinking and behavior isn’t bad.

In my latest research, I have found a listing of words that may not be new to most of you, but they were new to me. It’s rather sad to me that relationships are so superficial that new terms are even needed.

Why not do a Mayberry throwback and have some integrity?

I am thinking…

Instead of…
Ghosting
Slow fading
Benching
Zombie-ing
Cuffing
Kittenfishing (as opposed to catfishing)

How about just…
Being real
Respecting people’s feelings
Being honest
Being the best version of you
Not playing games with people’s hearts
Not hiding behind some fake persona?

Whether stalking my kids or following some experiences in some of my widow communities, I feel like I’m at a Bingo hall with all the letters, an outdoor store with all that fishing stuff, or a costume outlet with all the necessary props.

I don’t think Andy Griffith had that many issues back in his day. Just sayin’. Simple, slow, and straightforward living…kind of like the turtle winning that race. No wild hare strategy needed.

I think I’m going to pull out an old-school apron and bake some homemade biscuits like Aunt Bea used to make. Maybe it’s a little messier and will require more time and effort, but the results will be worth it.

…and the mess will be right here by the sink for easy cleanup.

…until next time…

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Bio; Melinda Campbell is a retired educator who currently focuses her efforts on raising her two teenaged boys, advocating for individuals with special needs and against drunk driving, and serving in her local community. Melinda has been gaining recognition for her writings labeled “Reflections from my Kitchen Sink” since the tragic death of her husband Michael in 2015. In her stories, she shares observations from her daily life including moments she has as a solo parent, a widow, and a woman who battles significant health issues including fibromyalgia and depression. Her goal is to encourage others through the experiences that are common to so many. Her practical approach to life’s obstacles has become a weekly mainstay for her readers from across the country.