Words have power.
Words yield power for both the speaker and the listener. Most of us have heard that how we say things affects what people here. So we must watch how we talk, the words that we use and our tone.
I'd like to briefly touch on another angle.
How we, as listeners, hear things that a speaker is saying may be completely different from what the speaker is actually saying.
This applies to our relationships with every loved one we have. Are you truly and sincerely listening to your loved one or are you merely interpreting what they say through a filter of your own creation?
We must be very careful about this. We can create a habit of filtering what others say and interpreting it all to the point that we are claiming our loved one is saying something they are not actually saying. This, obviously, will only cause pain and misery.
Most of us are guilty of this at one point or another. The question is, when are you guilty of it? Do you do this a lot? How can you change this habit?
Are you all ears when it matters? Or are you half-listening and half-preparing the next few sentences you're about to speak? Do you truly focus on the one that is talking to you?
We need to focus, to listen honestly, to absorb what our loved one is communicating to us. When need to know, for sure, what they are trying to convey. That's the best way to avoid the hurt and pain of not being fully engaged.
So, give your loved one the respect they deserve this weekend. Fully engage with them!
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