Asking “personal” questions shows not only that we are curious but also that we care.
I didn’t learn this growing up. As a kid, I was conditioned to hold back, to avoid asking questions, as if that was somehow respectful of other’s privacy. That’s bullshit. I believe that it’s disrespectful to NOT ask, to dance around the real issues and concerns and life events, to talk superficial when what we really want is meaningful exchanges. If that’s what you want – surface connections – then by all means steer clear of those touchy subjects and focus on sports, the weather, the economy, or who did what to whom. But if you really want to build relationships, if you sincerely want to get to know someone, then ask them about what is really going on in their lives.
ASKING creates OPENNESS creates TRUST creates REAL SHARING creates REAL CONNECTION.
It also shows that you care.
So go on, step up and be wild, and ask someone: “What’s really going on in your life right now ?”
Peace Out,
Patrick
ps: this post was inspired by the domino project and Ralph Waldo Emerson – Self Reliance. You can follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #trust30
Day 3 prompt: The world is powered by passionate people, powerful ideas, and fearless action. What’s one strong belief you possess that isn’t shared by your closest friends or family? What inspires this belief, and what have you done to actively live it?
(Author: Buster Benson)
