The Missing Wink

Scientists have been looking for “the missing link” for years.

Me? I’m looking for something more rare and probably more important, especially when it comes to improving human relations. I’m looking for the missing wink.

That’s right. The missing wink. Or to be more accurate, I’m looking for other people who have found the missing wink.

According to Wikipedia, a wink is “a form of semi-formal communication, which indicates shared, unspoken knowledge.”

And what is this shared, unspoken knowledge I’m looking for? The recognition that most of us take ourselves far too seriously and that it is almost always better to err on the side of playfulness than seriousness.

When this understanding is communicated via a wink - which may be a literal wink of the eye or a figurative “wink” through playful language and attitude in the written word - even the most serious topics can be discussed with less risk of things turning ugly. Not “no” risk, mind you. Just less risk.

If one is going to talk about deep subjects, I have found it to be very wise to show a little humility and playfulness along the way. Not only for the sake of the reader, but also for the sanity of the writer.

Clearly, not everyone “gets” what I’m trying to do on this blog. But many do. And from what I can tell, those that do all have one thing in common: each has found the missing wink and understands the importance of passing it along to others.

But then, I don’t have to tell them that. After all, it goes without saying. By definition.

Get it?

Posted on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 10:29 AM

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