“What is wrong with you? The current writing on the wall not obvious enough?”
There has not been a time recently that the old saying was not blurted out at someone in what started as a friendly conversation. The change in the way words were said, not only with the tone, but how it was delivered determines the outcome. If words are spoken calmly, conversations will continue. If either party perceives anger or bitterness, all reasonable discourse ends.
The dismissive behavior may have not been intentional, although psychologists call this type of behavior passive-aggressive. A subject that has previously been broached without difficulty is suddenly off-limits. Whatever the topic, conversational minefields await. The problem is that we often cannot predict when the verbal explosion will occur. It was not so very long ago that this old-fashioned saying was heard in many benign arguments. These two questions weren’t taken as seriously as they are today. Look at the “writing on the wall” someone might say. It was both an early warning and a reminder to take action, sooner rater than later if possible.
Relying on that expression to get people to make a change no longer works. It doesn’t help that schools no longer include cursive handwriting in the curriculum or that digital “walls” rely less on words and more using numbers, symbols, or misplaced letters to get their message across on social media. The metaphorical pointing to any writing on any wall is no longer apt. It used to be a way to visualize the future or give an indication of what was to come soon. Taken as a warning or as a reminder that things are heating up, it is not only out of favor, it doesn’t work to picture that old scenario.
The importance of making a decision before any kind of escalation ramps up cannot be overlooked. Foreboding words don’t always lead to people taking positive action. Whatever the topic, turn down the volume to avoid triggering further disagreements or discontent. Ignore the writing on the wall, it is much safer that way.
y libraries are finding that their circulation numbers are continuing to grow, others say their numbers are down. As a card-carrying local library user, I know that each time I visit a public library, I am helping to make sure both kids and adults can continue to find this particular “brick and mortar” structure essential in their lives, as well.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
