Why Honesty Is Your Greatest Asset When Building Relationships

There are two ways to approach a new relationship: strategically or honestly. The strategic approach comes from the ego. The honest one comes from the heart. Whichever you pick shapes the whole path the relationship takes.

Why strategy backfires

When you approach someone strategically, and they aren’t yet at a level of awareness to understand it, they feel like you’re playing a game with them. They sense the ego, and the ego tends to judge. So they hold back and never show who they really are.

Deep inside everyone there’s an imperfect child who laughs at silly things. If that child laughs while you’re playing it cool and calculated, the relationship goes sideways.

Honesty gives people comfort

Most people look for comfort in a relationship, and honesty is what gives it. When you speak from your heart and pour yourself into what you’re building, they feel safe to do the same.

In practice: answer questions without so much sarcasm. Say what’s on your mind. Let people see the world from your perspective and into how you think.

The ego is beautiful and powerful, but it doesn’t need to be presented to everyone you meet. Be the person someone can be 100% authentic around, and a lot of beautiful connections will come your way.