The Secret of Getting Along

It is always more pleasant when people get along. As the Bible says,“Behold how pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.” One mother recently told her children, “I only want one thing for Mother's Day – Just one full day when you all get along with each other without squabbling!” They didn’t make it. (You could say they gave her half-a-present!)

Ask anybody, and they will tell you they want to get along with others. However, more often than not, we find ourselves embroiled in controversy of some kind or another. Usually it’s because of misunderstandings.

Understanding what frustrates others is the first step towards peaceful relationships. What gets people upset?

Abrupt Change:
Mark Twain said the only person who likes change is a baby with wet diapers! Normally, however, people are not totally opposed to change. They just get worked up if it is sprung on them!

Unclear Expectations:
When we assume they know what we’re thinking, we’re asking for trouble. It’s aggravating to walk on eggshells around an unpredictable and inconsistent person.

Broken Commitments:
Every time a person breaks their word, they also break a trust.  It is better to under-promise and over-deliver.

Violation of Rights:
Ignoring basic courtesy and respect usually bring an angry response. Every human being has the right to be treated with dignity.

Poor Communication:
People are always down on what they’re not up on. You can’t just say something once in passing and then think you’ve communicated. A true communication does not occur until the one receiving it gets it!

When it’s Not Done Right:
Normally, when someone is upset about something not being done “right” they mean “MY WAY!” It pays us all to remember that there is more than one way to look at just about every issue. There are very few things in life that must only be done one way.

Something Else (-------------------------------------)
I left this one blank so you can fill it in! Whatever and Anything! There are some folks who will get upset about anything. You can’t do much about that except try to be patient, love and understand the best you can.

So, how do we go ahead and get along? Here are a few suggestions:

1.  Get alone with God and pray about it. It’s hard to stay mad when you’re prayed up.

2.  Make peace with yourself. Most conflicts are caused by inner turmoil.

3.  Assume 80% of the responsibility for getting along. That means be proactive in the relationship. If you think it’s 50% your responsibility (or less) you will wait around when you should be doing something.

4.  Fix the problem, not the blame.

5.  Never judge motives (unless you are assuming they mean well.)

6.  Attack issues, not people

7.  Look for common threads. Find what you agree on and put your energy there.

8.  Go back and patch the holes. This means to apologize, the make amends, to reconcile and iron out the differences.

9.  Make sure they know you care about them.

10.  Remember, love covers a multitude of sins.

11.  Use the 7:1 ration (seven affirmations to one correction)

12.  Refuse to be consumed by negativity.

13.  Be easy on people when they fail

14.  Put God first, and the other things will fall into place.

15.  Forgive 70 times 7.