A friend called me the other day raving about the new gadget that she had saved for, shopped for, invested in, and finally owned. Two weeks later I asked her about it:
“It’s too complicated. I can’t figure out how to make it work.”
“What about the User Manual?” I suggested.
“I don’t have the time. I’m just going to get rid of it.”
Unfortunately, I find this to be a similar way of thinking in many relationships:
“Why does he do that?”
“What were they thinking!?”
“Doesn’t she know…?”
“How could he…?”
We get confused, angry, disappointed, and eventually get rid of relationships because we can’t figure out how to make them work.
This week, I invite you to complete the following User Manual and forward it to people close to you. Exchange, listen, share and discuss to grow rather than get rid of your relationships.
MY USER MANUAL
- To get my attention it’s best to….
- If I seem distant it’s probably because…
- When I get grumpy it’s helpful to…
- The best time/place to talk to me seriously is…
- The worst time/place to talk to me seriously is…
- If you need me to do something it’s useful to…
- When I feel insecure I tend to…
- I feel happy when …
- I feel sad when …
- I feel loved when …
- I feel scared when …
- I feel encouraged and supported when …
- I feel angry when …
- I feel the best when…
- When I malfunction, the best thing to do is:
- When I’m tired please…
- When I’m stressed please…
- When I get home from work please…
- Fun things I like to do:
- I need help with…
- Someday I would love to…
- Favorite authors:
- Favorite music:
- Favorite topics:
- Other:
Julie Davis, LMFT
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist Certified Rapid Resolution Therapist 704-807-1101, appointments available in California, New York, & North Carolina. Website, Subscribe to weekly article
Autumn Hahn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist practicing at Clear Mind Group in Weston, Florida. Call 954-612-9553 for a consultation. Follow Autumn on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Sign up for the e-newsletter HERE.
