by Leslie Trotter

Created on: February 20, 2010   Last Updated: April 17, 2011

Finally Barbara has a new boyfriend after years of being alone after her breakup with her fiance. She finally has something to be happy about. She couldn't wait to call her sister Amy to tell her about her happy news, until Amy turned the tables on her telling her what is going on in her own life.

Amy went on and on about her promotion and pay raise, she wouldn't let Barbara get a word in about her new beau. This is something Barbara is used to with some of her family members and it hurts her feelings anytime she has some good news to share and no one is considerate enough to listen and give her their input or advice. Communicating with your friends and loved ones shouldn't be a one side conversation, everyone should be entitled to share their stories equally.

Before we decide to share good news with others, we should simmer and bask in our own good news before we share with others. Be happy for yourself and you will not worry about others being happy for you, though they might be happy for you, they don't know how to show it or be supportive.

Dealing with family members who constantly talk about themselves will not be easy. However, it can be done. If you're the one who called to share news and your relative cuts in, simply tell them you were not finished telling them the good news,automatically they will shut up and listen,  I find this works.

If they called you, listen to what it is they have to share with you and then you can share your news with them when they are finished talking. If they have nothing positive to say, remember not to call that relative with any news the next time.  Share with people you know will be happy for you, listen attentively and later elaborating on your good tidings.

Many times we have to deal with people who are so stuck on their lives they don't have time to realize that others have lives too that deserve to be in the spotlight. Sometimes the highlight of the day is hearing someone else's news whether they've gotten a new job, just got engaged or graduating from college. Their happiness can reflect on you as well by giving you hope for your own life where it might be lacking. So to hear our loved ones and friends good fortune should be welcomed

Learn more about this author, Leslie Trotter.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.