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You’re Probably Not as Self-Aware as You Think
And it shows in your relationships
Growing up, I didn’t give much thought to my self-awareness nor view it as a trait I needed in a partner. I suppose I wanted the things most people my age wanted from a relationship, honesty, loyalty, great chemistry and someone who mostly had their life together. I tried to offer the same in return.
Fast forward to the present, and self-awareness is more than just a trendy self-help buzzword, but a characteristic people work to develop and something they seek in potential spouses. Owing popularity, in part, to Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, self-awareness has become a tool for creating healthy personal and professional relationships.
Surprisingly, while many believe themselves to be self-aware, research shows that only about 10%-15% of people actually are. Imagine that! We are less aware than we think about being self-aware.
So, what are we talking about here? What is self-awareness, beyond a word therapists and coaches like to throw around? The meaning of self-awareness can vary, but when it comes to relationships, it means recognizing how your thoughts, feelings, and characteristics impact your behavior and your partner. The definition sounds basic; of course, we know that when we are stressed or angry, we get a little…
