Why Don’t They Ever See Things from My Point of View?

Have you ever felt like you’re talking to a brick wall? You try to explain your point of view, but the other person just doesn’t seem to get it. You might start to wonder if they’re even listening.

If you’ve ever experienced this, you’re not alone. It’s a common problem that can happen in all kinds of relationships, from romantic relationships to work relationships.

So why does this happen? Why can’t people seem to see things from our point of view?

The answer is simple: Everyone has their own map of the world.

 

What do I mean by “map of the world”?
It’s a mental model that we all have of how the world works. It’s based on our experiences, our beliefs, and our values. When we communicate with someone, we’re essentially trying to share our map of the world with them. But because everyone’s map is different, there’s always the potential for misunderstandings.

For example, let’s say you’re trying to explain to your partner why you’re upset about something they did. You might say something like, “I feel like you don’t care about me.”

But your partner might hear that as, “You’re a terrible person.” Why? Because their map of the world might be different from yours. They might have different ideas about what it means to “care about someone.”

 

So how can you avoid misunderstandings?
The first step is to be aware of your own map of the world. What are your beliefs, values, and experiences? How do they influence how you see the world?

Once you’re aware of your own map, you can start to be more mindful of the other person’s map. What are their beliefs, values, and experiences? How do they see the world?

The more you understand the other person’s map, the less likely you are to have misunderstandings.

Here are a few tips for understanding the other person’s map:

• Listen actively. When the other person is talking, really listen to what they’re saying. Pay attention to their words, their body language, and their tone of voice.
• Ask clarifying questions. If you’re not sure what the other person means, don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions. This will help you to better understand their map.
• Be respectful. Even if you disagree with the other person, be respectful of their point of view. This means avoiding name-calling, insults, and other forms of disrespect.

Remember, everyone has their own map of the world. It’s important to be aware of your own map and to be mindful of the other person’s map. By doing this, you can avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively.

 

It’s important to remember that our maps of the world are not reality. They’re just our own subjective interpretations of the world around us.

So when we’re communicating with someone, it’s important to be open to the possibility that their map of the world is different from ours. And we should be willing to listen to their point of view, even if we don’t agree with it.

By doing this, we can build better relationships and have more productive conversations.

Are you tired of feeling like people don’t see things from your point of view? Book a discovery call with me today and learn how to avoid misunderstandings and communicate more effectively. I’ll also answer any questions you have about communication and how to improve your skills.