S-M-I-L-E: The One Thing that ALWAYS Works!
I’ve been married for over a year now. Both of us come from different backgrounds with our distinctive thought processes and value systems. We have conflicting points of views and either of us isn’t wrong; we just carry opinions and judgments based on our personal experiences.
Now, when you enter into a new relationship, you have several expectations. This is especially true for the first few years. You try to adjust as per the new environment, alter your habits, understand your partner’s habits, and set out to build a new world. You have desires of candlelight dinners, movies, coffee dates, and lots of other intimate moments.
But what you are not expecting yet have is arguments. After a tough day at work, chances that you lose your patience in the small dialogue are high; chances that you pass accusing statements or taunts even when you don’t mean to are high.
So, here’s what you need to do to stay away from such unwanted moments in your new and bubbly relationship:
SMILE!
Smile at all your worries, all your troubles, all the taunts, all the mistakes, and believe me, life will become a lot simpler.
“A warm smile is the universal language of kindness” — William Arthur Ward
When you hear something you didn’t want to or expect to hear, instead of retaliating and entering into a nasty argument, just SMILE for a moment. You’ll feel the intensity of the situation drastically dropping in your head and within a minute or two, you will be in a better state of mind to respond.
In certain situations, you may not even feel the need to react. And as your partner sees you smile, their heart will melt changing their irritability to relaxation, and their anger to softness.
They’ll reach a better position to talk to you and understand what you are trying to say. Both of you will be able to use calmer tones and politer words to put your point across. However, remember not to start smiling at some of the critical conversations or when it is not going to be appreciated.
“A simple smile. That’s the start of opening your heart and being compassionate to others.” — Dalai Lama
As you create that little curve on your face, you’ll be able to arouse compassion in your heart and set things straight with your partner. Try it! It works for me and will work for you too.