I walked away from a conversation massaging my injured feelings. I felt like the victim of a dozen papercuts. Replaying the conversation offered no insight. What had triggered my friend’s barbs?Continue Reading
Is “If You Can’t Say Something Nice…” Biblical?
Have you heard, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all?” While this adage provides a reminder to not gossip, is it biblical?
Our family met a delightful woman in Switzerland who offered to show us around. We traveled in two cars. I rode with our new friend, and my family followed. Instead of raving about the beauty of the Swiss Alps my companion began to sing the praises of the person who’d maligned our family and other Christian leaders.
I couldn’t believe it.
Thousands of miles away from home and I had to listen to someone unwittingly praise my enemy. And worse, she encouraged others to follow this deceitful leader. Having been raised on the above adage, I prayed as I went back and forth on how to respond.Continue Reading
How to Better Communicate with the Sensitive
Today, I’m passing on some insights from my wise husband. Now here’s Larry.
I peeled for weeks after a day at a Southern California beach. Having grown up in Phoenix, I was no stranger to the sun’s burning rays. What I didn’t know is that my body could burn under pleasant temperatures.
My sunburn left me hypersensitive. I didn’t want anyone to breathe on me let alone pat me on the back.
Did you know we can become emotionally sunburned? Emotional sunburn makes us extra sensitive to casual interactions with others. Ironically, the times I’m most sensitive may be the time I most need healing truth.
Perhaps you’re trying to relate to someone in a highly sensitive state. They jump to defend themselves, deflect your input, or lash out when you try to help. To better communicate with the highly sensitive, remember:Continue Reading
How to Improve Communication With a Better Relationship
Your feedback on last week’s survey was so helpful and taught me an important lesson in communication. You hear from me weekly. It’s important that I also hear from you.
You reminded me of how much we share in common. I nodded my head as I read your responses. What a comfort to know we travel this highway called life together, carrying similar hopes and dreams as we face our common obstacles.
The book titles almost tied in preference with The Unstoppables and God’s Unlikely Heroes slightly ahead. Thanks again for your input and kind remarks.
The anonymity of the surveys provided me with an unexpected insight into communication. I realized context and knowledge of the speaker play an important role in accurately interpreting ambiguous statements. For example, under “biggest concern in your life,” someone answered “Trump.”Continue Reading