Family Communications

Abstract

The art of effective communication is at the core of all successful interpersonal relationships, and it is the ability to communicate across multiple generations that is one of the outstanding hallmarks of Legacy Families. Unfortunately, communication is a skill we learn too early and only realize we haven’t mastered until it’s too late.

A well-groomed woman entered the offices of a divorce attorney and assertively announced that she was there to begin divorce proceedings immediately. In an attempt to begin to understand the facts of this particular situation, the attorney reached for his yellow legal pad and began a series of questions. “Madam, do you have any grounds?” he initially inquired. “Of course” was her immediate retort. “We live on a two-acre estate in the Bel Air hills.” Somewhat taken aback, he tried another approach. “Madam, do you have a grudge?” Again she snapped back a response. “With that acreage, of course we have a garage. In fact, we can park four cars in it. “ Undaunted, the attorney tried again. “Madam, does your husband beat you up?” At this point the client replied with great annoyance “I will have you know that I have been up before him every single day of our 20-year marriage.” At this point the frustrated attorney queried, “Madam, I am afraid I don’t understand why you are here. What seems to be the problem?” to which she replied, “My husband says that we just don’t communicate.”