You can't make people hear you

Even when you think you have been as plain as plain can be, you can't make people hear you. There have been occasions when I have told someone something in a clear and unequivocal manner - and more than once - but somehow they just haven't heard me. It seems that if it's not what they want to hear, then they don't hear it.

Now, I'm not saying that I never misunderstand anyone or that I am always crystal clear in what I say. No-one can do that all the time. But I do try to listen and clarify where I can. If someone says they can't do something or be somewhere, I take that on board, even if it makes me sad. But occasionally it seems as if I'm talking to someone who has their fingers in their ears and is la-la-la-ing. They don't want to hear, and so they act as if you have said exactly what suits them.

It's sad, but sometimes it happens.