Growth
Have you ever wanted something so deeply that you unintentionally made it harder to achieve?
I’ve been reflecting on how easy it is to get caught up in how we think something should work, only to miss the reality staring us in the face. For me, this realization hit when I noticed how much energy I was pouring into building a connection with someone close to me—someone whose personality is wildly different from mine.
I’m naturally drawn to people and conversations. Social interactions fuel me, and I express care by asking questions, sharing stories, and creating a back-and-forth dialogue. But the person I was trying to connect with is more reserved and introverted. While my curiosity came from a place of love and a desire to understand them better, my approach—lots of questions, lots of energy—was probably exhausting for them.
It was like holding up a mirror and realizing that I wasn’t connecting with them; I was connecting the way I would want someone to connect with me. That’s a humbling realization. I had to stop and ask myself: am I making space for their way of engaging, or am I unintentionally pushing them into mine?
This moment of growth has taught me that relationships are less about “what works for me” and more about stepping into the other person’s world—even when it feels unfamiliar. It’s not about forcing a connection but creating space where the connection can grow naturally.
What about you? Have you ever found yourself navigating a relationship with someone who operates so differently from you? How do you balance your way of being with honoring theirs?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Growth is messy, but it’s better when we share the journey.