Does Dyslexia Run In The Family?

Have you ever come across a piece of advice so simple it almost feels shocking? In this episode of the podcast (player is above), I shared a surprising insight that made me see relationships in a whole new light. It's a method that might catch you off guard and leave you wondering why you hadn't tried it sooner.

Here's the gist: we often move through life on autopilot, especially when our minds race around a hundred different ideas. This simple approach, which I stumbled upon, can help us pause and mend strained connections. It's about stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and trusting that better communication is possible.

The Eye-Opening Realisation

The biggest realisation I had was that I'd been making everything about me. When I misheard someone, I assumed they were criticising or belittling me. I'd interpret a friend's or colleague's comment as an attack, even if they meant well.

Turning each encounter into a personal slight sets us up for fights we don't need. We absorb negativity that might not even be there. It’s stressful, and it stops us from connecting on a deeper level. Realising this was a pivotal moment because it reminded me to question whether I'm projecting my own fears onto others.

“I never realised how rarely we stop to ask ourselves, ‘Is there another side to this?’”

When you start to notice this pattern, it can be a shock. You see that many of your conflicts aren't caused by what people are actually saying, but by how you interpret their words. Once I noticed this, it felt like someone had pulled a curtain back on my entire approach to communication.

How This Shift Changed My Relationships

This new understanding changed the way I handle disagreements. Instead of jumping into defence mode, I tried to step back and ask questions first. If a friend made a remark that felt critical, I'd ask them to clarify. If I didn't like someone's tone, I'd check in to see if they were having a rough day.

It was surprising how quickly this improved my interactions. My partner appreciated not being met with tension whenever they expressed a preference. My friends felt heard instead of shamed for having an off moment. And work conversations became more collaborative because I wasn't turning every comment into a confrontation.

When people realise you're genuinely curious about their viewpoint, they often soften and open up. This can lead to more honest discussions, which fosters stronger connections. It's a beneficial cycle once you get it started.

Practical Ways to Apply It

Shifts like these can feel overwhelming, but it helps to start small. Here are a few ways I've put this into practice:

• Ask clarifying questions: If you sense tension, try saying, “It sounds like you’re upset. Could you tell me what’s on your mind?”
• Pause before reacting: When you feel yourself getting defensive, take a deep breath. Slow down, then consider another angle.
• Think of the backstory: Often, people bring stress from work or home into conversations. Their words might not even be about you.

Practising these little steps helps build a habit of curiosity rather than assumption. Over time, the payoff is massive. You see that many arguments pass you by because you're not fuelling them.

My Personal Experience

This approach didn't happen overnight. Like many people with dyslexia, my mind can jump to conclusions or focus on half the conversation. I'd constantly fill in the gaps with my own worries. By becoming aware of these patterns, I started to challenge them.

One situation that stands out: a friend texted to ask if I could call them back. My mind instantly raced with anxiety, and I assumed I'd done something wrong. I paused for a moment and asked myself, “Am I sure it’s negative?” Then I called with zero assumptions. Turned out they simply needed help with a small task, and they were actually relieved I picked up.

That small moment reminded me how often we leap to the worst-case scenario. If we retrain ourselves to slow down, we get to see the reality behind people's words. This new mindset really helps strengthen relationships. It's also a relief not to carry around those extra worries.

Wrapping It All Up

When you challenge your own assumptions, you stay curious and open. You're more likely to see that people often mean well, even if they speak in a rushed or blunt way. This changed my life because it allowed me to mend and maintain relationships with less stress.

And what's shocking about it is how simple it really is. We're not taught to step back before we respond. We often go on autopilot because it feels familiar. That old habit of reacting immediately can create confusion and tension. But these gentle shifts stop that cycle in its tracks.

• Don’t take every word as a personal attack.
• Pause and consider alternative explanations.
• Ask questions to clarify, especially when you’re unsure.
• Remember people’s words might reflect their mood, not your worth.
• Small efforts can lead to deeper, more honest connections.

If you're ready to dive deeper, make sure you check out the full episode. It's at the top of this page, so just hit play and listen for the practical tips we discussed.

Sometimes, the best way to strengthen relationships is to rethink how we hear others. Give it a go and see if it unlocks a whole new level of connection.

Ready for the full story? Go ahead and listen to the episode above. You won’t regret it.