In the rocky waves of life, nothing will get you through the storm like your trusty ships – friendships and relationships. They know you better than anyone else and sometimes can be the only hope for survival. What happens when your ship needs maintenance and isn’t understanding your needs and journey? Try thinking of communication in these new ways to help you both get back on course.
Listening
Yes, listening sounds so easy, but it’s really the beginning of understanding. Hear what the other person is saying. Everyone has feelings and emotions and they are just as valid as yours. Your ships are not out to get you, they are probably going through a lot too and could benefit from your steady hand on the wheel. Rarely is the disagreement or anger on the surface, dive deep to find what is really going on.
Take sides (each other’s)
Sometimes we take things out on the people we love most because we know they will still love us through it all, good sides and bad. Even when we show our ugly monster face, we know they will still love us when we return to normal. Remember that at the basis of your ship is love and while people have a need to get anger out, they just want to experience that love and understanding that drew you two close in the first place. Take each other’s side, try to understand what they might be going through, and show them love.
Don’t get heated
Easier said than done, but if you can keep the waters calm, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively. Even if you both need to separate for 10 minutes to get all the angry words out alone, come back together ready to fix the problem. Agree to both be calm, nothing is worse than fighting fire with fire.
Say what you feel, not what you think
Communication can be terribly misunderstood – we are human after all. Especially when emotions are running high, we get on the defense and attack, it’s built into our nature, and the only good it serves is getting you out of danger. It doesn’t help nurture relationships or help understand where the danger came from. Try telling the person how you feel, or how what they said made you feel. Don’t assign feelings to the other person, let them explain theirs. They might not have meant something as you are taking it. Try not assuming the other person’s motive, work together to get the feelings out to address the real issue.
The blame game
At all costs, don’t get into the blame game. When has that ever worked out? Going back to our basic survival instincts, we are trained to stand our ground in our decisions and fault others for failures. Aim for growth and understanding because this situation has presented itself. Too many people just try to “drop it” to get out of the situation without really getting to the bottom of the problem.
Try some of these communication tricks next time you find you and your ship in rough seas. Learning from each other is the goal to maintain a healthy happy journey together.
Well said.. a Team must convey positive vibes to eachother, teaching/uplifting Co-workers that may be misinformed/lesfortunate. Also, it’s essential Being openminded and being able to take constructive critisism if need be. To be an asset to a company you must be able to recognize your flaws and & put in the effort & Thrive to better yourself with no resent.
I agree in all these steps. Easier said than done, but i believe if one tries to at least your only moving forward. Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, unexpected events. So yes these are helpful tips. Thanks
An immaculate article. Thank you for it. I need to do more of this myself.
Agreed…… get in touch with your inner self. Connect mind and body. Communication is key to any relationship. Without communication there’s no understanding. Communicate no matter if it’s good or bad. Talking about positive things is always good. Express appreciation. And talking about the bad is a huge must. So that way issues can be resolved. Along with communication. You also have to listen. Pay attention to the others while they speak. Yes life has rocky roads. The most beneficial thing to do is. Keep the outside world meaning people, internet etc. Out of your business period!! Misery loves company. Stay close together. And if need be stay home. You aren’t missing anything. Believe me..
Really good information.
Thanks 😊
Great info
Ultimately, I will put my faith and trust in God. You see, my lifeguard walks on water. I have seen his hand many times throughout my life and I know that he lives. He who calms the raging sea with only the sound of his voice, will help me get through my storms in life. The Lord works in mysterious ways, his wonders to perform. I know that by establishing relationships and friendships is helpful to have others to lean on occasionally. The tips that you have shared are great examples of his tender mercies and I thank you. I am always very grateful for each life that touches mine for good.
Well said definately not easy to stay cool under pressure. Let alone when everything is so fast paced
I try to keep a positive attitude all the time although it is hard with this fast-paced world that’s about the Best information I can give to my friends
This is the best advice I have heard in a very long time. This would work for a family, a couple, a team of people working together. It is like I can see the water and ship Everytime I read this. I can see myself following this. And great things happening.
Just what I needed to hear with getting a new roommate next week. Thanks
I too believe that friendships and relationships are a key in the upbringings of the world and life is full of ups and downs but I believe that people make life so much more bearable they say you can’t but I believe that no matter what you can’t live without people.
I think we all could learn from this.
Totally agree learn how to control your anger, give each other space return and address the issue, listen to one another and try to place respect each other feelings
Good read
I agree on the tips but both parties have to do it together
Taking the time to listen to one another and taking 15 minutes just to think about everything helps most people calm down , so that they can really talk things out. It’s like , when i was young we was told , if your mad , (count to ten, before you talk .)😊
Just took a class on communication and there alot more to it than just talking.
I think they should start communications skill in grade school. Thanks for refreshing me.
Attitude, attitude, attitude makes a big difference when you face controversy.
I used to be angry as a young man. It was like I had a fire within that needed conflict for living life. As I got older that fire finally fizzled out, so for me I’d say hormones plays a large part in anger. It’s better to rise above it and not drown in it.