Some Simple Everyday Things That Are Actually Quite Rude (2 of 8)

 

 

Relating People’s Stories Back To Your Experiences

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A lot of us do this on instinct and think that we’re being helpful. We think that by telling our story or saying we can relate ensures that the person feels reassured. Reassured that they’re not in this alone.

Sure, some people can feel that, but it can also come off as dismissive. It’s easy to turn that relatedness speech into “I’ve done this before, this is nothing” to the other person. And that’s the last thing they want to be getting the impression of.

Instead, listen in order to hear, rather than to reply.