Don't Be Caught Empty Handed on Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is coming; (guys) you had better shop by Friday. Don’t be caught empty handed on Saturday morning.This week we all really should be thinking about relationships so I am going to focus on just one topic; Clicking verses Conflicting

Trust:

In both business and personal relationships trust is, in my opinion, the foremost ingredient. Trust is something that can be destroyed unintentionally and without hurtful intent. Trust is also something that once damaged, if ever, takes a tremendous amount of work to repair. By making continual “Relationship Bank Deposits” with others, your chances are less that things will fall apart. And if conflict does occur, the perception others will have of you is that there must have been a simple mistake made rather then using the situation to justify in their own mind that you are untrustworthy.

Communication:

Conveying your true thoughts, feelings, and ideas to another person is more difficult than you might think. Everyone hears/listens through their personal filter, developed from years of various experiences. It is the lack of these shared experiences that creates subtle communication challenges, frequently not recognized by either party; and that can easily cause conflict. If every person would take responsibility for both their outgoing and incoming communication, oh how much better things would be. Yes, you should be responsible for what you say, how you say it, and how the other receives it. Don’t you think? Trust me on this one, when you do this everyone around you will seem just a bit smarter.

Priority:

What matters to me might be quite far away from what matters to you, and vice versa. Without meaningful communication in the area of shared priorities, relationships fall apart. I believe this is a crucial element in the sidetracking of any relationship. Frequently, you will find it difficult to understand the priority of others, let alone care about them. Since Valentine’s Day is so close, let’s bring this one home. You want to stay home and relax, but your honey wants to go out—or vice versa. Who wins out? The person that wins that battle is ever so closer to losing the war. But the other agreed, you say. Sure they did—they really gave in. By being aware of, and sensitive to, your honey’s priorities, you are making hugely valuable “Relationship Bank Deposits” that will go a long way in smoothing ruffled feathers then you have been guilty of being less sensitive. You can take that one to the bank!

Action:

It is the action of showing, through both word and deed, that the needs and wants of another person are important that help to cement relationships. Here is a timely idea: with the economy slow and money tight consider doing something really special for your Valentine. Skip the usual last minute shopping and write a love poem, letter, or song for your special someone. Deliver it with breakfast in bed on Saturday morning. You will build trust through a new style of communication. You will also show that your priorities are in order through this action—a win for all involved. Except the retailers, oh well, let the “schlubs” go shopping—you have a better idea.