Today I’m thinking about Mindset 3 from The Six Conversations: Express Concern. When you want a warm connection with others, you stay curious, you believe the best, you express concern, and you share your life. But many people don’t know what it means to express concern, or investment, in another person’s life. It’s easier than you think. I recommend asking questions to discover a few things. Try these questions with someone to form a stronger connection:
- What are your major stressors this week?
- What upcoming decisions are you trying to make?
- What thought is keeping you up at night, or what’s on your mind when you wake up?
Once we know these things about one another, we can make supportive comments. We can “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and take on their interests (Philippians 2:4). These questions help build family connections as well.
We recently enjoyed a great dinner conversation when we all shared what thought was usually on our minds when we woke up each morning. Some were funny! Some were about finding coffee and finding the cat. Some were serious, too. In the end, when you ask good questions and express concern for others, you’ll begin to have the warm connections that heal the loneliness we’re feeling.