Relating To Others Starts With You

Relating to others is a necessary part of daily life. From discussing household chores and expenses with our partners  to negotiating differences among colleagues to planning a dinner with friends, how we interact is integral to how we get our needs met on a daily basis. And, the results impact how we feel about our lives and ourselves.

For example, how we interact has the potential to create friendship, growth, support, understanding, and connection. It also has the potential to bring frustration, anger, misunderstanding, disappointment, and pain.  

So what is it about the way we interact with others that creates agreement or disagreement, appreciation or criticism, loyalty or indifference? Well... it's not so simple. But, when you think about how to interact with others to create connection, understanding and support, it's important that you start with you. 

• Know what matters to you. Is it Family? School? Health? Money? Loyalty? Accomplishment? If you have awareness of what you value, you are in a far better position to communicate, compromise and interact with others with acceptance of their point of view without compromising who you are. So, take inventory of what you value so you can remain true to yourself in all your interactions.
• Understand what is within your control. Know that you can only control yourself and the way you interact. It's impossible to know how others might react or respond in any given situation. If you are hoping to change others, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment and conflict within your relationships. But, if you focus on your actions, you'll find that you have the choice to adjust how you interact in each moment toward reaching a result that makes you and the other person feel supported.
• Provide space and respect for differences. It is not necessary to agree on every issue, but when you respect  another person’s space to have his or her own worldviews and values, it demonstrates flexibility acceptance, and openness. All of which has the potential to lead to greater understanding and increased connection.

I wish you happy and successful relationships!

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