Whether it’s in your personal life or your career, learning how to communicate with others is vital to success and happiness in a relationship. Apart from learning facts, communication should be a way to gain some understanding into the heart and mind of another person. And good communication calls for translation. Really, you’re learning that other person’s language. We all use the same words, but we have unique languages when it comes to love. What you mean when you say, ‘I need someone to be here for me,’ might not be what the other person means when they say, ‘I will be here for you.’ You need to learn their language without wrong assumptions and incorrect projections weighing you down. Learning this strategy will serve you well every time you communicate. It’ll help you see everyone as unique, with their own way of expressing themselves. We all need to love and be loved, but we use different means of communication to express what we want and need. Don’t be afraid of checking and comparing to make sure you’re both understanding each other. A respected Bible teacher puts it like this: ‘Often in my own conversations, I will say, “Let me tell you what I heard so I can see if that is what you meant.” I am shocked at how many times I hear something totally different from what is intended!’ Lasting happiness doesn’t come from owning things, it comes from having good relationships. So, work on improving your communication skills. It’s well worth the investment!
