Accepting differences
We live in a world where we have allowed various voices and opinions to become dominant. Victory goes to the loudest, or the most persistent, and we have lost the art of communicating to be understood.
It wasn’t always this way, and it is not an intractable scenario, but we need to re-learn the art of accepting differences.
A brief review of those around us will rapidly bring us to the conclusion that everyone is different.
I was recently on a plane for a long flight that gave me opportunity to observe a wide variety of people, each one unique.
As I people watched, I also monitored my own internal attitude: I was drawn to some people, tolerated others, and a few I struggled to accept. I pondered why I was reacting differently to them and recognized this pattern; the more I could see the person’s uniqueness, the less likely I was to reject them.
Now, my communication style leans toward acceptance (Influencer™ is my first language), but I still have a long way to go if I am to accept the differences of others.
For me, a foundation of acceptance is to appreciate what each Life Language™️ contributes to our world. Every person has character strengths and driving passions they bring to a community; the trick is to see them.
Another important factor to consider is that each of us will tend toward distress if our filter questions are not answered and our needs from others are not met. This means that many people are living their Life Languages™️ profile in distress, rather than health.
No wonder communicating to be understood has become a lost art! Too many of us are desperately broadcasting our lack, rather than enjoying the depth of character that comes from understanding the science of words and actions.
You and I can make a difference.
Purpose to be more aware of your own communication preferences, and learn to bridge to those who differ. Seek to grow your fluency in your lower languages, especially with those around you who speak those languages. And practice accepting others, based on what they offer, even if it is currently distorted by distress.
As you speak through their chosen filter question, to meet their need from others, you will find the picture changes.