The Hardest Things to Say to One Another
The article discusses the unspoken challenges families face in communicating important feelings and thoughts. It highlights Russell Shaw's realization of the deeper meaning behind his repeated texts to his children about noise levels. The piece encourages reflection on family dynamics and the significance of expressing emotions and history.
- ▪Russell Shaw texted his kids the phrase 'Too loud' 133 times since 2020.
- ▪The texts served as a record of cherished family moments, despite their surface meaning.
- ▪Shaw reflects on the importance of expressing deeper sentiments to his children.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
The Wonder ReaderThe Hardest Things to Say to One AnotherEven the most close-knit families can leave important subjects unspoken.By Isabel FattalMerten Snijders / GettyMay 30, 2026, 11:08 AM ET ShareSave This is an edition of The Wonder Reader, a newsletter in which our editors recommend a set of stories to spark your curiosity and fill you with delight. Sign up here to get it every Saturday morning.Recently, Russell Shaw realized that he had texted his kids the same two words—Too loud—133 times since 2020. “The backstory to each, I’m sure, was relatively consistent,” he writes. “I was in bed, thinking about my schedule for the next day—a board meeting, a difficult conversation I needed to have—when from downstairs came the noise. Shrieks of laughter.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.
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