When we are genuine with our friends, our family, our partners—anybody—we give them permission to be genuine, too.
Just what does being ‘genuine’ mean, anyway?
There are several good articles about this topic, including this one from Psychology Today that struck me. But my favorite at the moment is the first of the Four Agreements, which is, “Be impeccable with your word.” This means more than simply telling the truth, or speaking with integrity. It also means to say only what you mean, and to do your best to articulate your meaning precisely to avert misunderstandings. It also means to avoid using your words to speak against yourself (in the form of self-deprecation) or other people (in the form of gossip). Perhaps above all, being impeccable with your word is based in the understanding that our thoughts and words become our habits and character, and eventually they become who we are. We have a choice to use the power of our words in the direction of truth and love.
Genuine people are impeccable with their word. They say what they mean, they do not self-deprecate or gossip, and they use their words to move the world in a positive direction.
When you find yourself in a conversation with a person who is being completely genuine, what’s your reaction?
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