What are useful skills to manage relationships
Relationship skills involve understanding how we connect with others. This means recognizing the different experiences we and others have. We can experience things in three ways: in the outside world, through other people, and within ourselves.
Humans are easily swayed and can be convinced by others to feel or think a certain way, even if they do not fully agree. For example, if four people analyze a task together and one person has a different conclusion, that person might choose to align with the group's views instead of sticking to their own findings.
Some people confuse social awareness with relationship skills. Social awareness involves understanding and empathizing with others and their groups, while relationship skills focus on recognizing the differences between our own feelings and those of others.
We can acknowledge and learn from the experiences of others, but we must also be able to express our thoughts and feelings without being pressured by the majority or feeling uncomfortable.
Discussions are not about being right; they are about gaining wisdom. They allow us to reflect on our own opinions in comparison to others, from whom we can learn.
Creating a judgment-free space is crucial for a productive discussion. It is also important to have solid backing for our views, such as expert opinions or data, to strengthen what we say.
A discussion starts when a topic is introduced, a related question is posed, and we share our personal perspectives. Once the topic has been explored, we can learn from one another's viewpoints and gain new insights into our own beliefs.
In terms of relationship skills, discussions help us differentiate our feelings about ourselves and others. Questions like "Can I manage conflict without losing my sense of self?" or "Can I stay calm when talks become heated?" are key.
It is essential to stay focused on the topic without wandering off. When emotions run high, discussions can drift, and relationship skills help us control these impulses. We need to maintain awareness of our feelings relative to the topic at hand to keep the conversation constructive.