Take The Lead

In relationships, we always want others to take the initiative. Let me illustrate this with a simple example.

You see an old friend/colleague/acquaintance in the distance. You have clearly noticed the person, but you don’t know for sure if the other person has seen you or not. Now, what would be the most appropriate response- You take the lead in going across to the person and saying hello.

But what do many of us do sometimes- We have this funny voice in the head that says- “why do you want to unnecessarily go and say hi. It is not as if the other person has seen you; just ignore and go your way,” and so we go your own way.

I am not suggesting that this is wrong. However, unless you are really very busy and rushing for some other task, there is no reason for you not to take the initiative and go to the other person and say hi. We sometimes avoid doing this because of inertia and perhaps indifference. “How does it matter?”

Cultivating healthy relationships requires initiative and commitment. I have a simple mantra when it comes to dealing with others. Instead of waiting for others to take the first step, we should take the lead.

So If you-

Miss someone? ………………………. CALL

Want to meet up? ……………………. INVITE

Recognize someone?………………. SAY HI

Love someone? ………………………. TELL THEM

Want to be understood? …………….. EXPLAIN

Have questions? …………………….. ASK

Don’t like something? ……………….. SAY IT

Like something? ……………………… STATE IT

Want something? …………………….. ASK FOR IT