[mswen]

One of my good friends spent a couple of years selling grain silos to farmers in the American Midwest. I heard about this some years later when we were living in the same community again and able to get together for coffee once in awhile.

He commented how often the following question opened farmers up to a much deeper conversation that had nothing to do with grain silos. His opening question would often be "How goes the battle?"

Although he did well at selling, he is a person who is genuinely interested in others in a warm caring way. So I am sure it was his manner as well as the specific question. But I love the question as well.

How goes the battle? Immediately acknowledges that life isn't easy, that the things we struggle with are okay to talk about. However, if the person isn't in the mood to go deeper they can just respond with "fine", "alright" or "can't complain" and just move on without going deeper.

But asked in a genuine caring way, "how goes the battle?", invites a deeper more authentic response about struggles.

[arrow7000]

I love this. I might start using this – if I can summon the courage.