Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Thursday, May 5, 2016

One Word Sentences


Meet our son Rodger. He speaks in one word sentences, yes, no, what, where, when, yesterday, today, etc. I'm really not sure how this kid got into our family. He's college educated, has a good job that supports his family well. We've been asked many times if he is adopted. I would ask myself that except he looks just like me! 

Our family talks a lot and is very outgoing. Rodger talks little, thinks a lot, and is introverted. Give him a bunch of reading material, slide food under his door occasionally, and he's happy.

I know he's more outgoing to strangers because I've witnessed it. He must communicate at work or he couldn't hold a job.

At their house they only answer the phone if its convenient to them, which is seldom. It was totally frustrating trying to make contact by phone. Then an amazing thing happened and he bought an iPhone. Oh thank goodness there is a god I said. It's wonderful. Now I can communicate with him. Yesterday I had the following text 'conversation."

Me: We would like to have you, Naomi, and Caleb for dinner Friday, Saturday, or Sunday if you're interested.

Rodger: Yes

Me: Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

Rodger: Saturday

Me: 6:00 p.m.?

Rodger: Yes

I suppose it's difficult for him being a member of a family of blabbermouths but it's also difficult for us. He does not carry his end of a conversation.  If you're on the phone there's long awkward pauses. He once fell asleep while talking to me.

It's better now that we all have smart phones and iPads. We can entertain ourselves with those and not have to talk to him.

Do you have anyone like this in your family or circle of friends?

25 comments:

  1. Introverts tend to "recharge their batteries" by being alone. Extroverts accomplish the same by being around a lot of people. Introverts find social situations draining, while extroverts find them invigorating. There is a great book "Please Understand Me" by Keirsey Bates and Myers Briggs. It evaluates and describes different temperaments. I first discovered this book in the 70's, and it helped me to understand my own personality and the differences of those around me.

    I tend to be a little on the introverted side; no one would call me a social butterfly. I am kind of shy, but can rise to the occasion with the best of them. I would be lost without my social contacts.

    Great post! Family dynamics are always interesting.

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    1. I've always been amazed at the people who find their way to Rodger. He's a magnet for people in life that failed to grasp the magic ring. I think they are drawn to him because he's a good listener, not at all judgmental, and doesn't try to fix everybody he meets. He just listens and almost always finds good in the person. Sometimes he helps a little but most of the time he just listens. His demeanor is pleasant and apparently gives off vibes he's nonjudgmental. I think the world could use more good listeners.

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  2. I'm a bit of an introvert, or at least I'm definitely not an extrovert. When in a social situation, I count the minutes until I can leave. I'm happiest at home. My husband is an extrovert. He loves social situations and could easily talk 'til the cows come home. This often causes a tug of war, as you can imagine. Even I would find your son extremely introverted, though!

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    1. I'm familiar with that tug of war. I'm a mixture, I tend to draw back from social settings but once I'm in one I become a real motor mouth.

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  3. It's the name---Rodger. My husband was an extrovert and his brother, Rodger, is an introvert. There, I made my case. What more proof do you need? LOL

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    1. Perhaps it's that 'd' in their names. I've known many Rogers but few Rodgers.

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  4. My first husband was like that.

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    1. I would guess you might also be somewhat of an introvert but that's only a guess from the little I know about you.

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  5. Gary Cooper made a living that way--"yup". Perhaps in a family of talkers, single words were all he could get in edgewise and it just became a habit:))

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    1. I think you're absolutely right. Rodger thinks before he speaks, by that time the rest of us have run away with the conversation.

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  6. Our family members all talk so much it's great to be able to text because I can get an answer quickly without an hour phone call. When we are all together in a room it is wonderful craziness.

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    1. Sounds like the recipe for wonderful times in a family.

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    2. I've learned to love texting for that reason.

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  7. My whole family avoids talking on the phone so texting has been a good thing for us. Extroverts are the oddballs in my family. The first time my brother brought his now ex-wife home to meet the family, she cried all that night because she assumed we hated her instantly. She was not used to a quiet dinner.

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    1. Olga, that is interesting. I can't imagine trying to socialize in a family of introverts. Never think of introverts in groups, for some reason it doesn't quite fit with the word introvert. I need to give this more thought.

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  8. Yes. Saturday yes
    Absolutely hilarious
    What does Roger do? Engineer or computer related?

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  9. I am the introvert. Well, most of what I am is caused by "bashfulness"...yes, even at my age. That's why I love blogging. I've never had so many friends and talked so much in my entire life! :)

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    1. Blogging is a true gift to people our age. I love blogging friends much better than friends with skin.

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  10. I have one who is a compulsive talker...never shuts up! Give me quiet.

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    1. Oh bless you, I also will take quiet anytime over a compulsive talker.

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  11. How funny. I'm kind of introverted although at the office I was quite verbal. I can hold a conversation just fine, but I don't feel the need to fill the void with talk. Haha. Families are so funny.

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    1. Families are often made up of those you would never choose as friends.

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  12. Oh, yes, I do. My son Jake is just like that. Why use two words when one will do. Texting and email are frustrating. Sometimes I have to break down and call him. He hates that.

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    1. I feel your pain. I text with Susan everyday but not Rodger. We go days before one of those one word conversations.

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