Cultivating Connections: The Heart of Human Experience
Picture by Seth Schwiet
Practical guide to nurture our Social Relations
Listen, keep listening and listen more
The most important aspect of better communication is learning to listen—genuinely and fully. This means not only being present in the moment but also avoiding distractions like checking our phones or multitasking. We need to reconsider our priorities when it comes to communicating with people who matter to us.
Even if you’ve had a difficult day, remember that the person you’re speaking with might also be struggling. Taking the time to listen has become a rare and valuable quality. While you might have a different opinion or advice to offer, the priority should be to listen to what the other person wants to say, without interrupting or judging.
When you actively listen, it fosters a more positive atmosphere, increasing trust and strengthening relationships. Your interlocutor will also be more inclined to listen to you in return, enhancing mutual understanding.
Keep in mind that learning to listen will take time and effort. Like any skill we want to master, our brain will need to rewire itself to replace old habits with new ones. This is especially important when interacting with children, as they are particularly sensitive to whether we are genuinely listening and giving them our full attention.
Picture by Martins Zemlickis
Be genuinely interested and ask questions
When it’s your turn to speak, focus on the points your interlocutor raised and express genuine interest in the topic they brought up. Asking questions is an effective way to show that you are engaged in the discussion and often encourages the other person to elaborate further.
In conversations, the word “I” frequently comes up, as people tend to talk about themselves a lot. We naturally enjoy having someone listen to us when we speak, and this often leads us to feel positively about those who show genuine interest in our words. By emphasizing the other person’s contributions and showing authentic curiosity, you not only enhance the conversation but also build stronger connections.
Picture by Dominic Sansotta
Try to put yourself in your interlocutor’s shoes
Considering how you would react if you were in the other person’s situation can help you better understand the issue at hand. By viewing things from their perspective, you can increase your empathy and become more engaged in the discussion.
This can be challenging, as we all have different ways of responding even to the same situation. However, keeping this in mind is crucial before passing judgment or offering your opinion on a topic. It helps ensure that you approach the conversation with greater sensitivity and understanding.
Picture by Josh Applegate
Practice gratitude
We often put effort into conversations at work or in public settings but may neglect to do so with friends and family. It’s essential to show appreciation, perhaps even more so to those we see and interact with regularly.
We should make the most of our time with loved ones, treating each interaction as if it were the last.
Each day, take a few moments to recall a short story where you or someone else received genuine gratitude. Just a few minutes can suffice, as long as you remember the emotions felt at that time. This practice helps reinforce the importance of appreciating those around us.
Picture by Miguel Bautista
Smile!
Smiling costs nothing, is contagious, and warms the hearts of those who see it. Isn’t it marvelous that something as simple as lifting the corners of our mouth can have such a positive impact?
Although it might seem obvious, a smile often encourages our interlocutor to respond more warmly. While smiling may not be our first reaction in a difficult situation, it can help diffuse tension and lead to a more positive outcome.
So, let’s keep smiling!
Picture by Brand Redd
Recommended book : How to win friends & influence people by Dale Carnegie
