Sociable interactions, like much of anything, will turn out as rewarding or unpleasant as we choose depending on our energy and efforts we're willing to contribute. While much of today’s interaction occurs, though not required, through various tools of technology, we often miss out on the quality and benefits of eye-to-eye engagement, conversation and participation.
I've been a shy guy since I was young, though with the help of my sociable, outgoing and courageously expressive siblings, I’ve been able to break those barriers and fears, for the most part.
To this day, I still need a friendly reminder to rid my ego and entitlement in order to remain proactive in personal interactions, community involvement and quality engagements. As a result, I am more confident, aware and compassionate.
However, the more frequent my attention is shared towards others, my patience is challenged as is my ability to maintain energy to listen, tolerate and speak with enthusiasm.
Being a back and forth battle, I knew Inner Action needed to take place!
Given the freedom and choice, no longer should I spurn others because of my own weakness. In response, I formulated a specific set of guidelines based on a thorough assessment of my behaviors, which, in fact, appear to reflect that of many in regards to personal interaction.
Ten Steps To Improve Human-Human Interaction:
Listen & Respond! Ears open and mouth closed until it is your turn. Have a great thought? Hold it! Provide thoughtful feedback, which will be achieved most effectively through listening attentively.
Seek argument & confrontation as opportunities! Much like discomfort, learn to enjoy being wrong even if you aren't. Not the worst thing to happen! Plus, it is satisfying to watch one smile from the thought of being right. You may even learn something new.
How Can You Help? It may not be asked of you but if that’s the case, ask yourself. Don’t make it seem like they need help. Though truthfully, we all need it! Offering help when unexpected demonstrates empathetic kindness.
Relate! Be willing and open to accept that despite the immense differences in physical appearance, social status and culture, there exists greater similarities. I approach individuals knowing I can relate to them in some shape, capacity or fashion.
Don’t Judge! The way I see it, I have no room to judge. I am far from perfect. And if I were to judge, it would make me a hypocrite. Also, avoid being affected by the judgement of others. Leave it all to Judy!
See The Good! As tough it may be to reciprocate kindly towards an a**hole, that is the moment character is tested most. We’ve all been that a**hole at some point, so it wouldn’t be fair to assume; it's hypocritical! Imagine them as a young child in hopes of discovering their innocence. If worst comes to worst, give them a hug.
Slow down! Don’t be so quick to respond or react. Control your breath and rate at which you speak; help other(s) to do the same. Odds are the person is speaking at the speed of light due to their own internal deficiencies. Take control and slow the pace. No one is in a hurry!
Don’t Pick & Choose Depending On Mood! Far too often people allow negativity to follow them home and into relationships potentially damaging overall happiness. Think positive, be positive, pass it on!
Lose The Ego- Think Eco! I don’t care if you’re the pope, president or prince of nowhere. We are all human living in one ecosystem capable of greatness.
Be Vulnerable! You are strong, capable, kind and smart. The pros of vulnerability out-weight the cons all day, everyday.
Truly, each of these steps cannot be executed successfully without the other nine. Practice simply by being friendly and engaging in random conversations throughout the day. Remember, it may not always go how you please, but you will be glad you tried. And you will walk away more humble than before.
Please share you experience!
Son of Mark
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