How supportive and easy-going are your relationships? Oftentimes in relationships it’s easy for the little things to stack up. Something remains unsaid or something was said that maybe didn’t sit well with you, and now you may not want to say anything because it already seemed so long ago.
Sound familiar? When people are unclear about things that happen in communication, it is natural for us to fill in the blanks about what we don’t understand with our own assumptions. These assumptions can lead us down the path of unnecessary hurt feelings and anxiety.
Clear up the little things that are like slivers in your relationships as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours. If something doesn’t sit well, go back and ask if you can have some time to clear things up. If not, schedule a time in the near future to do so. Look upon this as an opportunity to build a stronger, more supportive relationship. Let the other person know this is your intention. Stating this will help put everyone at ease. Do your best to speak without judgment. Listen with curiosity, compassion, and an open heart. These conversations may be uncomfortable at first. Cleaning things up as soon as possible when the issues are small will create a great foundation for a strong relationship filled with respect, trust, and compassion.
What’s one small step you can take today to clean up your relationships?