Week 2, question 2

I think it makes a lot of sense to consider communication a patterned interaction. We follow a pattern as far as how we communicate, and to whom. For example, I communicate with my mom in one way: I can speak honestly, and for the most part, without limit. Granted, I don't go into any nefarious deeds that I might partake in (said as I shine my halo) but I can certainly approach her with any problem or issue that I have, or whatever is causing me trouble in my life. On the other hand, I talk to my friends very differently. I'm more liberal with profanities, am willing to share what nefarious deeds I've partaken in (adjusts halo) and am more likely to speak with less respect aimed at them. By no means does it meant that I respect them less; just differently.

These are patterns that we form with those we communicate based upon our experiences. I've worked in retail for nearly 9 years, and I've developed patterns with my customers depending on how they respond to me: whether they are rude, polite, overly flirty, or have your basic cordial attitude. I've become a master at gauging people, and I repeat the patters of communication with then that I have with customers who were similar to them. I think communication is all based on past experiences, and how we relate those patterns to those we communicate with.