Just before 2021ended Pope Francis offered married couples a present that could make all of our lives better.
It consists of three simple words that he included in a letter to married couples issued on Holy Family Sunday, Dec. 26. It came halfway through a yearlong celebration of families that will conclude in June with a big family gathering in Rome.
He suggested that couples make abundant use of three little words to make their lives and the lives of their loved ones better.
The words? Please. Thanks. Sorry.
It occurs to us that these are three words that can contribute to the health of every human relationship – from the most intimate to the most mundane.
Noting that the pandemic has forced family members to spend more time together, making some interactions more stressful, he said: ”Remember that forgiveness heals every wound.”
A big part of life – especially in our roles as parents and as organizational leaders – is making other people accountable for their actions and their failures to act. But a load of research has shown that some methods, some tones, are more fruitful than others.
When holding another person accountable, be clear, be concise – but most important, be considerate.
When people feel threatened, they stop listening and start protecting or defending themselves. That’s when learning -- and accepting accountability -- stop. When you want to be part of the solution, it’s never helpful to become part of the problem.
That’s why words like please, thanks and sorry help keep our lines of communication clear and open. They recognize the essential, God-given dignity of the other – no matter what their age or circumstances.