What could be more fundamental to a healthy, cordial, and loving relationship than being accepted and appreciated for who you are and not for who you are not? There are probably two reasons for this issue, the first one is because of the challenges I communication and poor interpretation, while the other reason is one person wanting something different than what the other person has to offer.
What does to be accepted mean?
To be accepted or to accept someone does not necessarily mean that you have to agree with that person. It basically means that you need to listen and acknowledge that person without passing judgment or trying to change that person.
To show someone that you accept them, making judgments does not help. You should not criticize, blame or even categorize them. In fact, instead of showing that you love them, it only creates a barrier and the other person will start avoiding you, especially if the other person does not approve your judgment.
When you are accepted or feel accepted, it is easier to explore your potential, it makes you feel relaxed, connected and enables you to share more about who you really are. You will appreciate others and other people will appreciate you. You will not have to fake things or change your personality to fit in with others because they take you for who you are.
Fixed expectations and looking at the other person as a threat are some of the huge obstacles when it comes to accepting other people. Someone might be willing to advise you on how to do something and become better, but because you view that individual as a threat, you will not listen to his or her advice and in the end, you will be the loser.
Poor listening skills can also be another obstacle. Being a good listener simply means that you should be open and be observant not only about the other person’s words but their way of being. You should be able to listen to differing opinions without showing disapproval or being judgmental. This way you will be accepting the other person’s opinion.
In some instances, learning how to be more assertive is the best way. In other situations, all you need to do is to assure the other person that you do not want to make them feel like they owe you anything, but by knowing that they value you and what you do, will bring joy and happiness to you. In other occasions, offering empathy to others and trying to find out what they are going through will help them to accept you more.
