Right vs. Relationship
We have all experienced the person who has to be right all of the time. I’ve seen relationships destroyed because one person’s opinion was “right”. Being right did not destroy it, but the choice to pursue communicating their opinion in a damaging way did. In other words, they put being right over the health of the relationship.
Studies show that people want to be heard and respected more than anything else in a relationship. When we are so convinced that we are right (whether we are or not) that we refuse to listen and honor the other person, we tear down the connection with the other person.
Listening and allowing another person to have a differing opinion are key ingredients in developing meaningful and long-lasting relationships. This does not mean that you must agree. It does mean that showing respect is vital to the success of any true connection or engagement with someone.
Try using the phrases: “I want to hear your thoughts,” or “I might not agree with you, but I want to hear what you are saying,” or “Help me to understand a little more about this”.
When we put our ego aside, we open the door for authentic communication and connection.
Choose to shift your mindset from having to be right to honoring the other person, and you will make a difference.
Larry
Check out our latest episode of the RelationShifts Podcast:
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