True connection happens when listening replaces reacting. Most conversations fail because people protect ego, not truth.
Why it matters: Defensiveness kills intimacy. Openness builds it. The ability to stay calm while criticized is rare and magnetic.
Actionable steps:
- When tension rises, breathe and delay your reply 5 seconds.
- Ask “What do you mean by that?” before assuming intent.
- Reflect what you heard before responding with opinion.
Takeaway: Communication is not about being right — it’s about being understood.