How do you build a relationship bridge? A relationship, any relationship, that has been lost to a misunderstanding, poor communication or even uncalled for attacks can have that bridge built again.
The work involved in building is equal to the damage done that burnt it to begin with. So you should have an idea of the work needed. What can make it worse is having a history of an apology that's not all that genuine and then a short period of time for the negative behavior to start again, repeatedly. If you've built a pattern of this kind of activity, you're not at a total loss but it will be difficult. Difficult because you have to fix the hurt feelings and you can only do that if you have trust. So while you have to overcome the hurt you also have to build trust that you are genuine and won't repeat the behavior that created the hurt to begin with.
Depending on how long it's been, how much the person felt violated etc will depend on how hurt they still are. Regardless of how hurt they are you need to be very real, honest about you and your crap that caused it, what revelation you've had to be able to realize it and what the hell you're going to do to correct it in the future. Then once you've declared it walk your talk and make it happen.
When the other person starts to see the transformation to what you said you were going to do, they'll start to trust that you are transforming. It's all baby steps. Don't get discouraged if it doesn't go as fast as you want it to go. Remember, growth is not a steady upward path. It's three steps forward, four back, one around the tree etc. that's anyone's growth, yours theirs etc. just be patient and follow your plan for you.
It will happen.
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