Numerous research studies show that happiness is closely related to the quality of a person’s social connections. People with satisfying relationships are happier and healthier. They also live longer on average. These studies suggest that having people to share your happy moments with can increase your happiness. And having people to share your sad and difficult moments with can reduce your stress levels and improve your resilience. With all this in mind, it’s obvious why feeling misunderstood can be painful.
Are you feeling misunderstood? Here are two ways to overcome this feeling and improve your relationships.
1. Learn More About Personality Differences
An excellent way to improve your relationships is to learn more about personality differences and use this knowledge to overcome conflicts and misunderstandings. What is personality? Personality is the sum of all the qualities, values, and preferences that make you who you are. Your personality dictates how you communicate and express love. It also dictates how you react to certain stimuli or events. From your energy levels to your emotional responsiveness and your values, everything can be traced back to your personality.
Feeling misunderstood could be a sign that you are not compatible, personality-wise, with those around you. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an excellent resource for understanding personality differences. According to the MBTI, there are 16 personality types. Some types have an easier way with relationships, while others struggle a lot.
Discovering your type can help you assess relationship compatibility. Is there someone in your life you never seem to agree with on anything? Find out more about the least liked personality type.
2. Discover Your Love Languages
According to Gary Chapman, author and expert on human relationships, there are five love languages: quality time, physical touch, acts of service, words of affirmation, and gifts. Each person has a different love language, meaning a different way to express or receive love.
Differences in our love languages can cause a lot of misunderstandings and unhappiness in relationships. What if you value quality time, but your partner expresses love through acts of service? In this case, you may not feel loved because your partner is not speaking your love language.
Love languages are not only relevant in romantic relationships. They are relevant in any human relationship, personal or professional. Thus, a great way to improve all your relationships is to learn your love language and the love language of the people around you. You can ask them directly or deduce the answer by examining their response to your actions.
Are the people in your life speaking your love language? If not, this could be a reason why you feel misunderstood. Examine your feelings, and don’t be afraid to talk about your needs. People in your life will appreciate getting clues about how to win your heart.
Final Words
Building satisfying relationships is the key to lasting happiness and contentment. However, it takes a lot of hard work and commitment. Follow our tips to find your soulmate and tribe or improve your existing relationships.
