Often family members will express needs, and when they do, I always wonder if this is a time to help or a time to simply listen. You can't solve all problems, and often, you shouldn't even try since people have to and want to live their own lives. On the other hand, there are times when you have exactly what another person needs and your help is exactly the right thing to do. How do you know when to help and when not.
A family member called recently with a need. I simply asked, "What can I do?" His response was that he would take care of it. He simply needed to express what he needed in order to figure out how he could fulfill that need. Another family member demonstrated a need, yet in talking with that family member, it was clear that what I could do was not the direction he desired, he had something else in mind. We can't impose our own interests, vision, and values on others--people have to live their own lives. Yet there are family members who may not express a need, but clearly if you pitch in, you are doing the right thing.
The better we connect to one another, the better we will know just right ways to help one another. This is a hallmark of positive relationships with family and friends too. Onward.
A family member called recently with a need. I simply asked, "What can I do?" His response was that he would take care of it. He simply needed to express what he needed in order to figure out how he could fulfill that need. Another family member demonstrated a need, yet in talking with that family member, it was clear that what I could do was not the direction he desired, he had something else in mind. We can't impose our own interests, vision, and values on others--people have to live their own lives. Yet there are family members who may not express a need, but clearly if you pitch in, you are doing the right thing.
The better we connect to one another, the better we will know just right ways to help one another. This is a hallmark of positive relationships with family and friends too. Onward.