Textual Harassment

I heard an interesting news piece today on the radio about a relatively new phenomenon called "textual harassment."  Obviously this is a play on the words sexual harassment and it describes the abuse of others using sexually explicit text messages and attached pictures.
The news story focused on the need for parents to have access to their teen children's text messages as a way to protect them.  While this might help it certainly highlights the need for parents to know what is going on with their children's technology use.  It also highlights yet another seemingly anonymous avenue for abusive sexual behavior to flourish.
One answer to this problem whether it be in the workplace or to a teenage child or even your spouse is to bring it out into the open.  This kind of behavior cannot remain in the light and persist unless the person who is doing it has become completely unashamed.
In the workplace this harassment would be no different than if it was said face-to-face.  Harassment doesn't end until someone says something about it.  No one deserves to be abused, even verbally or textually in this way.  If you are the victim of this unseemly behavior please don't just let it persist.  Do something about it. This only exists in our culture if we put up with it.  Someone has to say enough!  If you are a victim of this abuse or if you know someone who is receiving it may that someone be you.

7 Desires of the Heart

It is hardwired within us to be touched, heard and understood, affirmed, included, chosen, blessed and safe.  Taking a deeper look at my marriage, whenever an argument or scuffle ensues, I can always take it back to one of these seven desires that I felt was unmet.  For example, let's say a husband forgets to ask how his wife's interview went that day.  She comes home and is quiet, waiting for the question while helping with the duties of the house and becoming increasingly irritable.  She is desiring to be heard by her husband and included in their relationship.  Now she has three ways to go about this: 1. Calmly mention the interview and express her feelings of being left out.  2. Lash out and become critical at the way he is washing the dishes.  3. Withdraw emotionally and allow for a 'silent night.'

Which of these desires are you aching for?  Which one seems to be missing?  Or which one touches your heart deeply and fills you up?

Mike Ciaccio, PLPC

www.catholictherapists.com/ciaccio  

This book is written by Mark and Debra Laaser.