So, today’s topic revolves around human interactions. Change your approach when dealing with others.
We get stuck in a daily routine. “Hi, hello. How are you?” To which the response is, “I am fine thanks, and you?” This is where I press the pause button on this automated dialect. Hogwash, nonsense and bullsh… are all words that come to mind.
This is very much a meaningless interaction. Why even bother?
It just goes to show how much on auto pilot we are at times. We don’t really take note of other people or of the things that we are doing. How often do you find that when you are driving you are not proactively paying attention to the road. You are functioning on auto pilot.
The same goes with kids around the dinner table. “Hi Honey, how was your day?” The response is generally the same. Lackluster and void of any real depth.
Let’s continue with this train of thought. When chatting with your children, engage differently, change your approach. Ask questions that require thought and not an automated reply.
- “What made you happy today?”
- “What made you sad today?”
- “Anything make you angry?”
- “Anything funny happen at school?”
All these questions interact with a persons emotions. Which as we all know from experience, we respond better to. There is meaning!
Change your approach
Obviously the type of questions change based on the situation and location. Time of day and with whom you are talking to. However, look at asking questions that engage with a persons emotions. Sometimes, this is all that is required to help another person or to ask for someones help.
Ask questions that give people plenty of scope to respond. In this way you are giving them the opportunity to choose what they would like to talk to you about. This makes you more receptive and can certainly help add more life to your daily conversations.
