We’re so intent on our own personal agendas that we’re out to lunch when it comes to social awareness. I gleaned most of the following from an article by Dr. Travis Bradberry. In his company’s testing of emotional intelligence of people, the most seriously lacking skill they found was social awareness. I call this lacking discretion, diplomacy, or discernment. (The lack of thoughtfulness also comes to mind.)
So I’ve dedicated this series “If I could say it over again…” to those statements people make and practical ways to avoid wishing for a do over. People with good social skills and emotional intelligence are careful not to say these things. How about you?
So follow us in this series beginning with #1.
IF I COULD SAY IT OVER AGAIN #1 THE “YOU LOOK TIRED”
That’s like telling someone they’re looking really bad, incredibly unappealing. You might think you’re trying to be helpful by telling them they look tired, but it’s not uplifting or helpful and can be taken as rude. Far better to say, “Is everything okay? What’s up?” Better to ask a question to show you care about the person so they’ll open up and share.
I believe the key is discernment. Discernment with genuine thoughtfulness: we can’t go wrong with those two. Add a dose of God’s love and compassion and we’ll make a big difference in our relationships.
