Reflections

Reflections is a weekly meme hosted by Kristin of A Simply Enchanted Life and Fizzy of Fizzy Pop Collection. Every Sunday we will dig deeper in our recent reads to explore the real-life lessons within the pages. Reading the book yourself is not necessary to participate. If you would like to host your own reflection, you’re welcome to copy and paste this introduction, with the link to our pages. You may use our current or prior reflections or come up with your own.

In ‘A Loyal Heart‘ by Jody Hedlund, Aldric and Olivia got into a fight during the boar hunt. Olivia says, ‘I would have you weigh my opinions and ideas with as much respect as you give Lord Pitt’s.’ Why is it so important in a relationship to give the other’s opinions and ideas equal respect? What happens when one person demands to have his or her way without considering the other person?

This is a tough one people, let me tell ya. How easy is it to get set into your own mindset, because it’s always right (right?), and forget that another person (who is probably pretty important to you) might feel differently? Communication is key to any relationship. Bestie? Communicate. Significant Other? Communicate. Minions? Communicate. Boss/Employees/Co-Workers? Communicate. We all have different ideas and opinions based on our individual experiences. Even shared experiences generate different outlooks. Without communication we miss out on the shared connections that help us grow as people and relationships become deeper. Or, as is sometimes the case, the need to withdraw from negative relationships. If you care about a person, or relationship, you have to be willing to have open communication and even disagreement on opinions and ideas. You have to be willing to embrace the idea that there are other ways to think and maybe (once in a while) your outlook is the one that needs to change. Aldric was so caught up in the idea that he needed to protect Olivia, come what may, that he was smothering her. Kinda like he did with his wife before her death. He smothered his wife so greatly that she withdrew from him. Of course Olivia has too much gumption for that, she met him head on. She challenged him to consider that there might be another way. She shouldn’t have had to, but that’s a question for another day. Remember that mention of negative relationships earlier? About that, when you find yourself with someone who can’t even acknowledge that you have a right to an opinion or idea that does not match theirs it’s time to step back and re-evaluate. When you find yourself with someone that isn’t open to communication it’s time to step back and re-evaluate. People who truly care about each other respect each other. No one (not even myself it pains me to say) is perfect. We all have the ability to become self-centered and shut down. However, most of us have the ability to realize we were being self-centered and open ourselves to that communication. Stick with those people, they are worth the fight.

Your turn! Why is it so important in a relationship to give the other’s opinions and ideas equal respect? What happens when one person demands to have his or her way without considering the other person?