Annetta Powell has a series on her blog about relationships– expect to see MORE on this topic from her. It’s interesting, useful and will get you thinking differently about your relationships with family, friends, colleagues and just people in general. It’s important to realize that while you are the center of your universe– that you still interact with others and if you don’t reciprocate, you will find yourself minus people in your life OR less available to you.

Relationships aren’t one-sided. Well, obviously. Yet time and time again, we fall into this pit of self-centeredness. We think that relationships are outlets for ourselves –and merely ourselves. In the context of managing our relationships, selfishness and apathy towards others is a poison that shackles our ability to progress and grow with others.

Managing Relationships

When it’s not a cardinal sin

Let’s get this clear –talking about yourself is perfectly fine. Sharing your experiences with others, expressing your thoughts or letting out your frustrations are fine too, given a proper context. In fact, some individuals use their personal stories and experiences to inspire others. It’s not wrong; it’s welcomed.

But there has to be a line drawn. Common sense dictates that not every person that talks about themselves constantly is going to be received well. The key difference between a self-absorbed person and a person who shares their being with others (for lack of a better term) is the ability to relate with those in their relationships. Sharing your experiences is great, but it has to relate with others, or at least connect with them on some level. If not, it becomes mere self-centered mush.

Why it’s detrimental? 

1) People stop listening to you

Speak in your own world, and you speak alone. There’s a cutoff point where the people you talk to get fed up with listening about your marvelous achievements/plans or your seemingly frustrating problems. Remember, you talk about yourself because you think you are important (and this mentality is fine), but the people you talk to think their lives are important too (and this is fine too). At some point, people are going to stop paying attention to you; they have other things to do then listen to you ramble about yourself. Harsh, yes, but likely to be true.

2) You become less likeable

In the same way you naturally label some people as “selfish jerks” or something similar, you too could be labeled as such. Respect is a subjective matter but, in general, it’s better to be likeable than otherwise. If likeable, people are inclined to take you more seriously and give concessions when necessary. Having a good character isn’t merely for altruism, but it has its practical benefits.

3) Your words mean less

Provided people actually bother to listen to you, your words would still mean less. You could say smart things –brilliant things –but if you lead it with the depiction that you are self-interested, the impact of your thoughts would be less. This is because people tend to lump ideas in categories, and being self-absorbed is a good way to get lumped in the “self-deluded” category.

Getting over it

1) Relate things

If you are going to share your thoughts, find a way to make it relate to others. You are a powerful weapon in your own right, but take caution in hitting the right targets. See how your experiences apply into the lives of others –if they don’t it might be better to keep it to yourself.

2) Perform a mental check

Sometimes we get carried away with ourselves. It happens, and none is innocent in this matter. Every now and then, just take a glimpse at your relationship and see if it’s lopsided. When talking to another, see if the conversation is too centered on yourself. If so…

3) Make it about them too

Some people like to ask back questions to their asker. It’s a simple conversational tool, but it shows your intent in involving the other party. Find out the things that interest a person, or something that makes them proud, and mention it. Let them feel good about the good things they’ve done, and more importantly, let them know you feel it too.

A central theme in all our personal development articles –it’s not about you. It’s about them.

Thanks to Annetta Powell for this great post. It’s something we all need to realize that we aren’t the center of the universe– and that we need to connect with others not just to prove your worth.

@AnnettaPowell
https://www.facebook.com/annettapowellfanpage
http://www.annettapowellonline.com

Stevie Wilson,
LA-Story.com

Subscribe to RSS headline updates from:
Powered by FeedBurner

If you are going to feature content from LA-Story.com including podcasts or videos including the accompanying text, please respect copyright provisions. We require a notation of content origination (meaning credit tag), a linkback to the specific page & please email the link to stevie@la-story.com before the piece goes live.
LA-Story.com, LA-Story Recessionista, Celebrity Stylescope, Celebrity Style Slam Trademark/Copyright: KBP Inc./TNBT Inc 2007-13