Because I’m human (really, really human), I feel it’s important to admit that there are certain people who tend to bring out the worst in me. I leave these interactions feeling like garbage because I’ve taken the bait and stooped much lower than I’m proud of.  I get snarky, I get overly competitive, and overall unkind.  Like I said, I’m human and there are a few people that just bring out the worst in me. 

Luckily, I know this about myself so I’ve gotten much better at giving a polite smile and continuing to walk by, instead of slowing down to talk and risk my not-so-great self showing up to chat.

One of the reasons this awareness is pretty easy to put into application is because I don’t have a laundry list of folks that bring out my inner snark.

Thank goodness.

But what about your partnership? 

What if you find that your primary partnership is not bringing out the best in you? 

If you find yourself stooping a little too low and hitting below the belt a little too often… then maybe, just maybe, your relationship is bringing out the worst in you.

And I don’t want that for you!

The good news is you can correct this.

Take the time to answer these questions… and see what you discover. 

What is happening in my relationship right now that is making me more irritable?
Is there something happening externally to my relationship that’s triggering me to be more short-tempered?
How come I feel the need to react or respond rather than listen or observe?
Why am I lashing out instead of slowing down to discuss?
What do I need to do or say instead, in order to stay grounded in conversations with my mate?

Answering any or all of these questions can really help you get to the root of what needs to be addressed AND it can help ensure that…

Your relationship brings out the best in you.

Take it from me, it’s so much better to see yourself shining in relationships than slinking away after a subpar interaction and realizing you could (and should) have done better.

Cheers to the journey of continued self (and relational) growth.

Until next week,

-A

P.S. If you’re struggling with unkind or critical communication, now may be the time to enroll in the Communication Masterclass. It will be the perfect reset for the two of you!