How to Make Things Better with Someone Beyond Communication
Years ago, as a site manager for a demolition company, I encountered a unique situation that taught me valuable lessons about the power of forgiveness, courtesy, generosity, loyalty, and positive unpredictability. One of my co-workers was a dump truck driver named Richard, described as a nice guy but not the brightest. One night, an accident happened, and Richard was locked inside the yard. This experience showed me that sometimes, what matters most is how we handle these unforeseen situations and the relationships that grow from them.
The Incident
That night after Richard finished his work and returned the truck, I was closing the gate. Without realizing it, I accidentally locked him inside the yard. I immediately went into the office, expecting Richard to turn in his truck keys and dump receipts, but he never appeared. I became distracted, and by the time I realized something was wrong, it was about 20 minutes later. We heard a knock on the window, and to our surprise, it was Richard. The office ladies began laughing loudly at my oversight, but Richard, hearing the laughter, thought they were mocking him. It was a situation that required immediate resolution to mend the relationship.
Forgiving and Moving On
Forgiveness is a crucial step in mending broken relationships. Forgiveness is an act of moving forward, not staying stuck. I felt terrible for my mistake, but I knew I needed to take action to make it right. That's when my brother-in-law suggested giving Richard a gift as a peace offering. I purchased a 25 gift card and wrote a simple note apologizing for the mistake. This small act of kindness restored our relationship, and we were able to move forward.
Keys to Building Stronger Relationships
The following are key traits that can help you build stronger, more resilient relationships:
Forgiveness
We all make mistakes at times. It's not about perfection but about how we handle those mistakes and extend forgiveness.
Courtesy
Courtesy is no longer a common attribute in today's world, but it can set you apart and is almost universally well received. Simple acts of politeness make a significant difference in how others perceive you.
Generosity
Generosity is about giving without expecting repayment or making a big deal out of it. It's a classy way to be and can help build genuine connections with others.
Skina
Skina is a Mexican slang term that means standing up for your friends and backing them up, even when they're not around. It's about protecting and supporting your friends and addressing any negative comments or actions towards them directly.
Positive Unpredictability
Surprise people in a desirable way. Positive unpredictability can create joy and strengthen relationships. Little surprises like a late-night message or an impromptu treat can make a big difference.
The Impact of These Traits on Relationships
Those who are unaffected by these gestures will not be very fulfilling to have in your life. On the other hand, by making an effort to display these traits, you will certainly make your relationships better. It takes effort, but the rewards are well worth it.
Living and working in a positive, supportive environment can lead to increased productivity, improved team morale, and stronger interpersonal relationships. These simple acts, like forgiveness and kindness, can significantly impact the way people perceive each other and the dynamics of a workplace or social situation.
In conclusion, the journey towards making things better in a relationship goes beyond just good communication. It's about demonstrating forgiveness, courtesy, generosity, loyalty, and positive unpredictability. These traits not only help resolve conflicts but also build a foundation of trust and respect that can last a lifetime.