Synergetic Differences

 Everyone is different. 

This is something that I think we can all accept without much argument. We understand that individuals respond differently to different situations, and that's one of the strengths of the human race. When we are forming relationships with other people, it is important to keep this principle in mind; we all communicate in unique ways, and assess things in different ways. 

Of course, when approached correctly, this is not a negative thing. In fact, forming relationships with people who differ from you can be an extremely beneficial and positive way to learn and grow your own strengths. If two people get together who share the same exact strengths and weaknesses, then they cover exactly that much ground. They may work together very well on a few things, but if they both share the same weaknesses, then those weaknesses remain a part of their relationship. 

If someone has a strength where someone else has a weakness, then they can uplift the other person in that area, and the other person can learn from their example. They cover much more ground that way. This is the concept of "synergetic differences". Differences that lead to synergy between people. 

Sometimes we think of differences in a purely negative context, but when you have a strength that the other person may not have, this difference is creating a "synergy" between you. In this case, I am using the word synergy to mean a combined result that is greater than the sum of the separate efforts. Interacting with different people can lead to a stronger understanding of your own strengths and weaknesses, and is a wonderful avenue for growth. 

One thing that I think is worth mentioning is that males and females do have some inherent and innate differences in the way that they typically prefer to behave. This is not a bad thing, and as we said above, it can lead to a harmonious growth when they are paired together. 

When we understand the way people communicate, then we become better listeners, and are able to support this person better. 

I can think of conversations that I would have with my dad while he was working in the garage. I would help with by holding a tool or something like that, and sometimes I would ask him a question. Minutes would pass, and sometimes I would think that he didn't hear me, or maybe he forgot to answer it. He always would answer, though.

Sometimes an entire day would pass, and then as I was laying in bed in the dark, I would hear footsteps coming to my door. My dad would come and sit on the edge of my bed, and answer the questions that I had asked earlier. It was just his way of communicating; he would prefer to think about things for a long time before speaking. Once I understood that, I was able to talk to him in a way that benefited both of us. 

I think that frustration from a difference in communication is a very natural thing that can occur. It is a natural human reaction to feel upset that someone does not speak to you the same way that you speak and understand things. Still, the key to any good kind of relationship is taking note of these differences, and choosing how you react to them. Rather than immediately jumping to a place of frustration, we should try to understand the other person's perspective, and give them allowance to communicate in the way that makes them most comfortable. 

This kind of mutual compromise can solve a lot of problems when it comes to communicating. If the main issue is that of misunderstanding, then it is worth it to invest some time and energy in trying to understand how the other person operates. When we see them as an individual, with individual strengths and weaknesses, we can better learn to accommodate them.

Every is different, and that is a good thing.