Page 22 - Relationships101 A Guide To Building Healthy Relationships Final 1

React vs. Respond examples

Examples are often a great way to understand any concept. Even in the case of the react vs. respond
debate, here is a look at a few examples to evaluate the concept.

Example 1

When a child breaks something, the parents’ first reaction is to scold him or her. The child is
reprimanded for his or her behavior. But take a step back and try to figure out how scolding helps the
child. There is a possibility that the scolding will lead to the child developing a fear of repeating the
action. But has the child understood why he or she should not repeat the action?

In cases where the parents react instantaneously, the children will never understand this logic. However,
if the parent lets the anger cool off and respond to the situation, the child will learn better. This is
because the response will involve explaining the repercussions of the action to him or her. Therefore, the
child develops awareness and consciously avoids repeating the action.

Example 2

Your co-worker is constantly rude to you. The immediate urge is to reciprocate with the same rudeness.
The result is a working environment which you hate to be a part of. An exact opposite of this situation is
when your response is to ignore the rudeness. Do your bit and help your co-worker wherever possible.
The indifferent attitude on your part will positively impact your coworker as well. He or she will
gradually realize their mistake and stop being rude. They may simply stop for the lack of reaction.

In React vs. Respond – Why is responding better?

If you learn to overcome the impulse to react, you stand a better chance to make good decisions.
Learning to respond actually empowers you to be a better person in life. The learning phase is not an
easy one. You will need to be patient and connect with the conscious mind to harness its energy.
Gradually, this will teach you to evaluate your unconscious associations and align them in accordance
with your moral values in life.

How to learn to respond

We have already established the advantages of responding. At a very basic level, it helps you evolve into
a better person – both professionally and personally. Here is a look at a few simple tricks that can be
used to train the mind to respond. Remember that reaction is an impulse and the first defense of the
mind. Therefore, it will take some effort to teach the mind to let go of the reaction and work towards
preparing a response.

22