I do communicate differently with colleagues at work than my family. When I communicate with my colleagues, I do not speak about personal concerns in my life. I keep the conversation about assisting the families we work with and meeting their needs. I discuss the bare minimum about my personal life and usually only if it is an issue which will cause me not to be in the office. I avoid having a personal conversation with my colleagues at work.
I am more comfortable being myself with my sister. I do not feel the need to watch how I say things due to the fact she understands who I am. We have a similar point of view politically where we can celebrate when certain people are elected into office. We also value the principles of Christianity and support each other accordingly. I have know my sister since I was two and half years old and we have a history which can not be forgotten. My sister is a part of who I am and love.
Unlike my colleagues at work, my sister appreciates me for who I am. I can trust that she will not lie to me and will communicate ideas to help me instead of hurt me. Since this is the case, I feel more comfortable communicating with my sister than my colleagues at work. I am also confident that she will not use what I say against me and truly consider my point of view. My sister communicates her love for me and concern for my overall well-being. In knowing my sister genuinely cares for me, I am more inclined to communicate with her about my personal and professional life.
"It takes a village to raise a child." -African Proverb-
Rohzawne,
ReplyDeleteI often wish I had a sister. My most trusted friend is my husband. We talk about everything. Unlike you, I do have a friend at work that I trust and share with. We have similar Christian values and support each other. She's the one person in my professional world who I can fully be myself around. It is a blessing!
You bring up a good insight about communication and relationships. It is easier to share with people we are familiar with and comfortable with. They know our communication code, they speak our language. Whether is the way we appreciate an arm around our body or a hug, or we prefer a warm smile, those people we develop a close relationship seem to know our language. But do you think the relationship comes first and then the communication develops? Or does the communication create the close bond? Thanks for sharing about your experience with your sister :)
ReplyDeleteRohzawne,
ReplyDeleteI think you definitely made some great points, in regards to communication, and just how relationships can effect differences in communication styles. And I completely agree with you, and that is why I entitled my Blog this week, "Changes in Communication Based on Relationships". And like you I have a close and wonderful relationship with my sister , and I share things with her, and communicate in a way with her, that I don't with any other person. So it is because of this relationship that I definitely feel that we communicate differently when it comes to people and the relationships we share. Great Job & thanks for sharing.
Sylvia