What If - A Challenging Way to Build Relationships

By Sally C. Brown

I woke up this morning in a zany mood and thought "e-gads" what would happen if I spent the whole day telling everyone I met, "I know something good about you!"

I guess I'd get locked up somewhere in a hurry...people might wonder what I wanted or what I was plotting to do next...

Tell me the truth, when was the last time you told your wife, husband, child, friend, neighbor, or co-worker..."I know something good about you..."

On the other hand when was the last time you heard someone say the same thing to you? That's right, not often enough...

Telling people that you know something good about them is a simple means to build good, healthy relationships and enhance your communication ability...

How about turning things around for a change...Yes, you and me. We can stop people dead in their tracks... blow them down with a feather...

Am I nuts or what! Hmmm, well maybe a bit, but then again "nothing ventured, nothing gained..."

Suppose... just suppose, if in the heat of an argument with your wife, your teenage son, your boss or co-worker..you paused...took a deep breath...and with gusto blurted out, "Did you know that I know something good about you?"

Wham...wouldn't that make them swallow their tongue or catch their words in midair...Let's take it a step further.

How about having this slogan flashing across our TV and computer screens... stuck on our car bumpers...or printed on our shirts and jackets as a friendly reminder!

Let's contribute to building up the good that is out there... for those who know how to look for it...recognize it...affirm it and pass it on...Are you game?

Oh, I've got a better one for you... What about a smile and a shout..."I know something good about you" at the neighbor who cuts you off on the way to work nearly every day... instead of an angry retort and a squawk of the horn? Yep, now you're getting it.

Here's one more...It's the end of the day...You rush home only to be met with...a bicycle parked in the middle of the driveway...the dog barking...the kids in a tiff...your teenage daughter arguing with your wife...and all around the dinner table there's a tension you can cut with a knife...

As a working parent all you're looking for is a bit of peace and harmony...You're about to tear your hair out and protest...instead you jump up from your seat...thump on the table... and in a deep melodious voice you sing out..."I know something good about each one of you..."

Yeah...wouldn't that knock the socks off of 'em.

How about it folks are you up to the challenge...

Could you use this simple method to increase your communications potential and improve your relationships?

Why not give it a try and remember... "I know something good about you too."
Sally Brown, M.A., Sp. Director, is a trained educator and spiritual director. She has worked in the educational system for over forty years as an administrator, teacher, mentor and spiritual director. Her experience stretches from preschool, elementary and junior high school, high school, youth to adults. She has taught and given workshops in California, Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida, Colorado and in Italy. She was an associate of The New Life Institute for Human Development in Virginia and The Mercy Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado where she worked with men and women Catholic sisters and priests.

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