10.01.05 How Miscommunication Ended Patricia and Edwin's Love Story – A Fictitious Story

How Miscommunication Ended Patricia and Edwin's Love Story

A Fictitious Story

Patricia and Edwin met at a Christian professionals’ networking event. While the young woman was expressive and confident, known for her quick humour and warm communication style; Edwin was the opposite: calm, structured and deeply principled. Their differences made the early stages of their courtship refreshing.

One Friday evening, Patricia attended a company cocktail hosted by Edwin’s organisation. As the event picked, she was shocked to overhear a comment that would affect their relationship deeply. Apparently, two girls were discussing how Edwin had been showing interest in his young mentee named Connie. And before Patricia knew it, the gossip had unleashed unspeakable jealousy in the usually confident woman. What made matters worse was that she could not even bring herself to confront Edwin, fearing that she would sound insecure.

Later that week, Patricia confided in her close friend Gabriella, who advised her to start spending more time at Edwin’s place as an antidote that would ‘guard her territory’ against any intrusions from women, let alone Edwin’s so-called mentee, Connie. “Just visit often. Leave a few personal items here and there. Cook. Clean. Support him. The man will naturally grow used to having you around. Trust me...!” And that was exactly what Patricia did. Before long, she was a frequent visitor at Edwin’s apartment, including ‘forgetting’ small things there, one item after another: a sweater; a charger; a lip balm and other ‘unmistakably feminine’ items.

Then, one afternoon, Patricia’s landlord sent a notice about an upcoming fumigation and the need for all tenants to temporarily vacate, which excited her friend Gabriella. “This is your chance…! I know Edwin will let you stay in his apartment for a while,” the friend predicted, advising Patricia to mention the fumigation casually. And, when Edwin heard about it, he exclaimed that the exercise would be dangerous for Patricia’s health. “You can stay here for a few days,” Edwin offered. Those ‘few days’ were exactly what Patricia had been wishing for, as she entered his home prepared for a longer stay. Then came the time when Edwin asked about plans for her to return to her apartment, which Patricia did not like. Seeing that she was displeased, he added carefully, “Patricia, we are Christians. We can’t continue living like this.” But much to his surprise, Patricia retorted with a sharp tone, “You sound as though I forced myself on you. Are you tired of my stay? I thought you wanted me here.” Then a deep silence followed, putting an end to the potentially quarrelsome conversation.

But the silence was not golden. For what Edwin did not know was that underneath the surface, Patricia was becoming more insecure by the day, until she started asking pointed questions: “Are your mentees close to you?” “Do women at work admire you?” “Is Connie hardworking?” “How often do you mentor her?” And although Edwin tried to find the source of all those questions, he never got to the root of the matter since Patricia would just resort to silence. Meanwhile, their communication gap continued to widen.

One Saturday around 11 a.m., Edwin was in the shower when his phone lay on the bed, vibrating repeatedly. Seeing it was Connie, Patricia hurriedly disconnected the incoming call. Then a message flashed on the screen. “Hi Edwin, I tried calling but got disconnected. Can we discuss the logistics report? Call me anytime. I’m available”. Patricia’s jealousy thundered back to life.

As soon as Edwin came out of the bathroom, he went straight for his phone since he was expecting a call from Connie regarding a deadline that he needed to handle. Reading the mentee’s message, he asked with unmistakable alarm, “Did you disconnect Connie’s call?” Patricia responded accusingly, “Mentorship…, even on weekends. You always have time for Connie. Even your colleagues are complaining about it. You light up when she calls; talking about her as if she is flawless.” Then Edwin snapped, “You’re reading nonsense! But you are free to think whatever you like. In the meantime, I am calling Connie back, whether you like it or not. And if that is too hard for you to swallow, why not go back to your apartment and give me a break?”

Patricia looked at Edwin in disbelief, her eyes welling up with tears. “Ok then, thank you for housing me here.” Then she quickly gathered her belongings, grabbed her handbag and keys and walked out, slamming the door behind her.

That evening, Edwin returned to a quiet house, feeling exhausted and haunted by the thought of losing Patricia. He sat heavily on the bed and buried his face in his hands. Yes, he loved the young woman, but if they could not communicate while dating, how would they do so in marriage? Thereafter, their relationship was never the same again. And a few weeks later, the courtship ended.