In 1992, the South Africa cricket team had to score 21 runs from 1 ball. This after 12 minutes of rain during a critical time and the Duckworth Lewis formula implemented. This was an impossible task and we lost that game.

I use the Duckworth Lewis as metaphor to what sometimes happens in most relationship due to misunderstandings, mainly due to miscommunication from where there is also almost no proper comeback. I call it the Poppleton effect. Here is how it started. Assie and I were talking about something and the conversation turned to a family who newly moved in and out of our neighborhood. I referred to them as the Poppletons and kept talking confidently about the Poppletons. Needless to say their surname was not Poppleton but my bad association had it fixed in my memory. Poppelton happens when one party is sure they are sure about something that is not sure. This creates confusion, discomfort and sometimes arguments on what the actual truth is and on who’s truth is actually the real truth…which there aren’t.  

Some examples of the Poppelton effect is.. “We need to pay for this fuel in Kwacha. (Zambian currency) Please give it to me” “We don’t have any Kwacha.” “You told me we had.” I never ever told you that. I cannot recall you even asked me about currency. “Yes I did and you told me we had.”

“But you said Nata.. Are you sure… We are too far now… Don’t you mean Mana?” “I said Mana.”        “ No, you said Nata.”