It’s certainly a gross understatement to say relationships are complicated. Who we are and how we act are influenced by so many things seen and unseen, and the same is true for everyone else. Relating to others can feel like walking through a mine field. One misstep and boom! – something unexpected blows up in your face.

We are responsible for the messages we send, but we are not necessarily responsible for how the message is received, particularly given how many ways and reasons there are for a message to be misconstrued. But in being responsible for the messages we send, we can’t turn a blind eye to the likely perceptions of others. And certainly, our words are not the only vehicle by which we send messages. We are responsible for all of the messages we send.

Are you skewing the messages you send verbally with behavior that says the opposite? Do your words say one thing while your actions say another?

Try stepping outside your own skin and seeing yourself through the eyes of others. Is the message you send the message you intend?