“No, no…you don’t understand…”

I often get into an intense discussion with people I’m close to.

That’s what typically happens when both of us have a strong opinion about something. Our ears are shut to the other’s point of view. We don’t listen because we are too busy crafting an explanation to prove ours. Simply because, you know, our thought process sounds more logical than theirs.

However, the other person is operating exactly the same way as you do. They are going to stand their ground no matter what.

That’s when “war” happens.

I’m one of those people who typically have a strong point of view. I used to be someone who cares more about being correct – all the time. It’s how I irritated other people and pushed them away.

But I eventually learned to listen – like really listen – and be open to other people’s ideas and explanations.

Ok, that sounds good and all, so then what is the issue?

Sometimes, it’s not enough to listen. I still piss off other people lol. But now I care more about preserving the relationship as opposed to being right.

I have yet to work on developing empathy towards other people. This means…

• learning how to observe body language.
• imagine the worldview or belief of the other person.
• respond in such a way that it does not damage their ego.

This would’ve been easy if everyone is the same. I can apply a one-size-fits-all approach. But everyone’s unique.

That requires me to be adaptive to the situation and be creative at finding the correct approach at a given moment.