FEEL vs THINK

It occurs to me that there is a lack of understanding as to the correct use of the word ‘feel’ and its derivatives, as is evidenced in the very common occurrence where it is interchanged with the word ‘think’. Here is an example: “I feel that you are not listening to me” vs. “I think that you are not listening to me”. I don’t profess to be an English scholar and there are many other examples I could use but the point is this; the word ‘feel’ implies emotional language or tactile senses, ie. sad, angry, happy, joyful, grateful, pain, hunger, etc. To think, is to create thoughts and thoughts may lead to feelings, the thought preceding the feeling.

The thought and feeling must be expressed separately for communication to be accurate. To expand on the earlier example; “I feel that you are not listening to me” becomes “I think you are not listening to me and I feel frustrated.” Which version conveys more information?

Being accurate in communication increases my chances of being understood and enables me to build deeper, stronger relationships in every area of my life. Pay attention to the use of these two words in conversations and the media notice when it is being interchanged or misused. MEN use far fewer words per day than women so let’s make sure the words we use count.

-Ron J.