Photo by Yan Krukau

Maureen E. Hosier’s book about a new relationship perspective teaches us that taking in new perspectives allows us to start growing further in relationships.

The ability to see things from another person’s perspective is crucial for growing further in relationships and maintaining them. Taking in new perspectives is how we foster empathy, understanding, and a stronger bond. By embracing them, we are able to break down barriers, effectively resolve conflicts, and create a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

Taking in New Perspectives 

The capacity for understanding and considering the thoughts, feelings, and ideas of other people is called empathy. Empathy is the basis for worthwhile and meaningful interaction. Without it, there would be no society. That is because it involves stepping outside of one’s own frame of reference and putting oneself in someone else’s shoes, imagining what life would be like were they someone else.

Within the context of more intimate relationships (like one between lovers and life partners), empathy is a fundamental cornerstone for effective communication, conflict resolution, and trust-building. This ability helps us see situations from our partner’s point of view, appreciate their experiences, and respond in a way that is accommodating to their needs.

Importance of Empathy in Relationships

Without empathy, it is difficult to cultivate healthy and fulfilling bonds. But if you empathize with others, you discover numerous benefits not just for you but for the person as well, which improves the relationship as a whole.

When we empathize with our partner’s perspective, it becomes easier to communicate effectively with them. Misunderstandings can be easily avoided; we are able to express our thoughts and feelings more clearly and listen attentively to our partner’s concerns.

Empathy helps us approach conflict resolution with a good level of understanding and sympathy. Rather than getting defensive or becoming entrenched in our own views and doubling down, we can acknowledge our partner’s feelings and work towards mutually agreeable solutions.

By understanding our partner’s thoughts and emotions, we can deepen our emotional connection. We can sympathize with their experiences, offer support, and build a stronger bond of trust and intimacy.

Taking in new perspectives can also lead to personal growth. By broadening our understanding of others and their ideas about the world around them, we can challenge our own biases, expand our worldview, and become more open-minded individuals.

Growing Further in Relationships 

Taking in new perspectives requires conscious effort, and when it comes to relationships, there has to be a willingness to move beyond where it is comfortable. Here are some practical ways to cultivate this skill:

1. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Engage in active listening by asking questions that encourage your partner to talk about their thoughts and feelings.
2. Validate Their Experiences: Acknowledge and validate your partner’s experiences, even if you don’t fully understand or agree with them. 
3. Consider Their Background: Take into account your partner’s upbringing, culture, and personal experiences, as these factors shape their perspectives.
4. Avoid Assumptions: Refrain from making assumptions about your partner’s thoughts or intentions. Instead, seek clarification and understanding.
5. Seek External Perspectives: Involve a trusted confidant or counselor to gain a broader perspective on your relationship and communication patterns.

Maureen E. Hosier, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist who has been helping individuals in Los Angeles, CA, better themselves by lifting up their self-esteem and self-confidence, especially in important relationships within their lives, from the romantic to the familial, the workplace to the society. If you want to know more about how to engage with others, her books (You’ll Do Anything For Him & You’ll Do Anything For Her) can help couples in conflict. Any of her writings is an extremely useful book about a new relationship perspective.