Chapter 43
The Hedgehog's Message
In point of fact, Varia had rather exaggerated the certainty of her news as to the prince’s betrothal to Aglaya. Very likely, with the perspicacity of her sex, she gave out as an accomplished fact what she felt was pretty sure to become a fact in a few days. Perhaps she could not resist the satisfaction of pouring one last drop of bitterness into her brother Gania’s cup, in spite of her love for him. At all events, she had been unable to obtain any definite news from the Epanchin girls—the most she could get out of them being hints…
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Critical Thinking Exercise
Decode Your Own Hedgehogs
Think of a recent situation where you communicated indirectly instead of saying what you really meant. Write down what you actually did or said, then write what you were really trying to communicate. Finally, identify what you were afraid would happen if you'd been direct.
Consider:
- •Consider whether your fear of direct communication was realistic or imagined
- •Think about whether the indirect approach actually protected you or created more confusion
- •Notice if this is a pattern you repeat in similar situations
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when someone's confusing behavior suddenly made sense once you understood what they were really trying to communicate. How did recognizing their 'hedgehog' change your response?
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