As far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.
—Romans 12:18
Marriage counselors know that conjugal conflict is usually more emotional than rational: more a conflict of wounded feelings than a clash of facts. Someone whose feelings have been hurt is likely to inflict hurt in return; hurt people hurt people.
This principle holds true in every area of human relations: to connect with others, you must be sensitive to their interests, wants, and needs.
Successful salespeople don’t start by hyping their product; they start by focusing on their customers’ wants and needs.
If you’re so self-centered on ballyhooing your interests that you’re not listening to others’ interests, your connection will fizzle.
An old adage says, “Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.
“Look not only to [your] own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil 2:4).
Win the argument; lose the friend.