Correct Communication

“The minute you start compromising for the sake of massaging somebody’s ego, that’s it—game over.”

– Gordon Ramsay

How many of us go through each day not communicating clearly?

Compromise can be a good thing. Whether it’s negotiating business deals, working out a family curfew for a special event, or haggling for a fair deal at a sale—healthy compromise creates mutual benefit.

But let’s be real: there’s a big difference between compromise and settling—especially when it comes to communication. When you’re giving in just to keep the peace, or saying what someone wants to hear instead of what’s true, that’s not compromise. That’s avoidance. And it’s a recipe for resentment.

Telling someone what they want to hear is total bull honkey (yes, that’s a Southern term).

Why??

Because nobody wins.

The person seeking validation gets a false pass on bad behavior—and the one biting their tongue walks away boiling inside, storing up frustration that’s going to explode eventually. And usually? It explodes in the wrong direction, toward someone who doesn’t deserve it.

So how do we practice honest, healthy communication?

It starts with these four things:

1.Honesty.

2.Caring.

3.An open mind.

4.A willingness to LISTEN.

Too many people walk around confused about why a relationship ended, why they lost a job, or why they can’t seem to keep close friends or family in their lives. Ever stop to think—it might come down to ego, attitude, or irrational thinking?

Assertive communication changes everything.

Seriously—it will change your life.

When we learn to acknowledge what’s real and speak from truth, we start to live in truth.

Ask yourself:

What is YOUR communication style?

Take inventory. Be honest. Then, challenge yourself:

Try 21 days of assertive communication.

It might mean saying less… and listening more. For those of us who love having the last word, that’s gonna be tough. (Pro tip: stock up on gum or gooey candy—it helps keep your mouth busy with something besides hot air.)

Clean your ears. Get a journal.

Write down what you say, what you think, and what you feel.

If you think it, you should INK it.

Click the above link to purchase YOUR ThINK Journal

And here’s the truth……….

if you reach out and someone doesn’t respond, don’t spiral. Consider it divine protection. Sometimes, God closes doors we’re not strong enough to shut ourselves.

Let me be clear—just because I got sober doesn’t mean life is all sunshine and rainbows.

But… when a rainbow does show up?

I see it clearly now.

I appreciate it without the fog.

Eventually, you realize that life isn’t just about your rainbow, it’s about sharing that clarity with the people you love. Communication stops being a mask to wear and starts becoming a tool for connection.

Take time to examine—and re-examine—where you are, and how you got there.

Look at the people, places, and things in your life. We all make mistakes. The beautiful thing is: mistakes can be corrected. But let’s be real—some mistakes, even when corrected, still close doors. That’s hard. That’s heartbreak.

If you’re struggling in a relationship—don’t stuff it down.

Write it out. The hurts, the hang-ups, the chaos.

Then, ask for a real conversation. A meeting of the minds. Because clarity, connection, and healing start when both people show up ready to be honest and open.

Assertive communication can open doors—even in the messiest relationships.

I know. I’ve lived it. Misunderstandings caused by poor communication have wrecked too many relationships—mine included. That’s why this topic is so close to my heart.

And remember:

You can be the most honest, loving, genuine, caring soul—and still be rejected. Not because of who you are, but because some people don’t know how to love and believe in themselves.

That’s not on you!!

Virtual Hugs! - Amy C.