Relationship Killer
by Daryl Daughtry, Publisher
– Listen to article here.
What Cripples Relationships? What is a serious relationship killer?
What is the number one sin that you could commit that will torpedo your relationships? What kind of action is guaranteed to throw your relationship with other people for a loop? This applies to all types of relationships. It may be a business relationship, a romantic relationship, or your relationship with your family members and close friends. It is absolutely guaranteed to cripple your relationship, if you don’t master this one thing.
So, what is this practice that corrodes your ability to connect with people in a deep and meaningful way? You might not think much of it because it will seem basic and simple and a lot of people are too quick to dismiss it. A lot of people are even unaware as to whether or not they’re doing this.
Just like with anything else in life, big disasters usually don’t happen overnight. In the past, I’m sure you have read about buildings collapsing or bridges giving way. If you read the literature or police reports or news reports on those catastrophes, there is a common thread. Usually, the signs are already there but people are just too busy to care. They know that something is off because there are small cracks here and there or there is some indication that the angle of the bridge is not right or something like that.
People sit up and pay attention usually when it’s already too late. That’s kinda how the human mind works.
Here it is…
The number one practice that is a guaranteed relationship killer is your unwillingness or inability to listen. I know, it may seem like such a small thing to be so potent. It might even seem like it’s obvious, but so many people drop the ball when it comes to this key relationship skill.
Let me ask you, “Are you really listening?” Do you really listen to people? Do you even know how to listen to people?
Yes, listening is a valuable gift we give to people that requires focus, patience, and even hearing what they’re not saying. The key word here is “hearing”. Are you hearing and understanding what’s being said and the meaning hidden in the conversation?
People deeply desire to be heard. Why? It’s because it gives them a voice. It validates that they’re actually worth being heard. People get bigger when they know that they’re being listened to. It is way more satisfying to them than any itch they have ever scratched!
Effective listening requires being in the moment and not interrupting. It means not trying to finish sentences for others. And, it means giving appropriate responses that thoughtfully reference what you just heard.
Now that you know the number one relationship killer, go back to the central question. Do you really listen? The moment you start rediscovering the art of listening, is the moment you will truly reconnect with people. Your relationships will thank you.
