Communication is the Key to Creating Great Relationships.

Q: What do you do when you're in a situation with a person you considered to be your best friend one minute (and they thought the same way), and then shuts you out of their life the next and never wants to speak to you again?

A: It is painful when someone that you believed was a true friend shuts you out and won’t give you a reason.

I can remember when one of my friends was upset with me and I couldn’t figure out why. When I asked the reason they responded with, ‘I’m not going to tell you. You should know.’

I thought, ‘If I knew I wouldn’t be asking.’

I found it very upsetting that we couldn’t just talk about it. I couldn’t fix or change what I didn’t know.

Unfortunately, we cannot make people listen to us to understand our perspective. They have to be willing to listen.

Here is something that you could choose to do. Write a letter communicating all of your thoughts and feelings using the words ‘I feel’ or ‘I think’. Using these words will help you express yourself without blaming the other person. You are only sharing your feelings - not blaming - about the situation.

Even if the other person does not read it you can feel good knowing that you did everything in your power to help mend your relationship. Letters are also great because they allow the other person to consider your point of view when they are ready. Sometimes people need time to think and reflect.

Communication is such a powerful tool when we use it correctly. It is sometimes easy to assume that everyone is on the same page and has the same ‘common sense’. I have found that some of us are not only ‘not on the same page’ but we are ‘reading different books!’

Since we all think differently it is so important to communicate when something is bothering us. Communication is the key to creating great relationships.

Until next time...

This has been 'my voice' but I respect that this is your life - this is 'your choice'

P.S. If you are faced with a circumstance where you need help, one of the best UPower choices you can make is to Reach Out to your parents/adults, teachers, principals, counsellors, friends or www.kidshelpphone.ca to get the support you deserve.
Keep reaching out until someone listens.