What I really like is when I say something without realizing it. Wednesday night Paul and I were talking and I said to him, did you know that we didn't go on a single date in the month of March? And we only went on one in February, and that was for Valentine's Day. I kind of laughed about it and he was like, no I didn't know that. I had no hidden agenda in what I said, it was like mentioning the weather, did you know it snowed all of March and we only had 1 sunny day in February? So then Thursday after Paul got home from work, he asks me, would you want to go on a date tomorrow night? Heck yes! Of course the first question I ask, Did you get a babysitter? His response, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't have that already arranged. Bonus points!! That was a wonderful surprise, making me feel special and very loved.
I believe everyone gives out subliminal messages, but are we perceptive enough to pick up on them? There are a few keys to help us read these messages. #1 Focus on what the person is saying and the tone they use. Actually listen when they are talking, not thinking out your response or what you want to say. #2 Be aware of the things going on in their life. Did this person recently move, get a divorce, change jobs, have a baby, lose a loved one, go to the doctor... Ask questions, be inquisitive without examining them, it shows you care about them and are interested in them. #3 Don't let yourself get in the way. It's not about you all the time. Everyone can go through rough times, and people hurt for a variety of reasons. If you belittle the way they feel or why they feel that way, that person will not trust you next time. #4 Be empathetic, where you are touched with their feelings like they were your own; removing your mask and revealing your own true feelings. Or sympathetic if you don't really understand what that person is going through, be motivated by compassion.
So these are just a few tips, I hope I take my own advice and become a better listener, opening myself up to other people and pouring myself out. I hope I will allow myself to be moved with compassion, Jesus was always moved with compassion, may I be more like Him.