I am not a mind reader. Although I try my best to empathize with others and be aware of my surroundings, the most effective way for me to truly understand someone is through their words.
Confrontation, in my opinion, is one of the most powerful ways to gain insight into yourself and others. Sure, confrontation can be scary. It is difficult to express your thoughts honestly and open up about your emotions. However, this fosters healthy communication, an essential skill you’ll rely on throughout your life.
If someone upsets me, I let them know. How can I expect them to change if they don’t realize their actions affected me?
I encourage others to do the same. I want people to point out my mistakes and tell me when I’m at fault so that I can take the steps to improve it. After all, we can’t learn if we don’t know where we’ve gone wrong.
I will admit, confronting others is not an easy task; it takes plenty of courage. I used to be terrified to stand up for myself, often keeping my feelings to myself and hoping others would eventually realize when their words had hurt me. It wasn’t until someone confronted me about a way in which I hurt them that I realized the importance of speaking up.
Don’t be afraid to tell people what you really think. If they don’t like what they hear, or are not willing to listen and understand you, then they may not be the right person to surround yourself with. Those who truly value and respect you will take the time to listen and validate your feelings, which will help create a safe environment where you can share comfortably and grow together.
