Platinum rule of relationships - Day 21 of 30 - #30daysblogmarathon

I was introduced to the Platinum rule of relationships at a milestone program in my workplace and I have tried to follow it sincerely ever since. Up until then, I was only familiar with the Golden rule of relationships. For the rest of this post, I will refer to these as PRoR and GRoR. Are you familiar with these?

GRoR says - 'Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you'
PRoR says - 'Do unto others as they would like you to do unto them'

So subtle and yet so powerful!! The difference between these two rules is all about perspective. We believe that the same things that make us happy are bound to make others happy as well. In assuming so, we couldn't be further from the truth. We are all different people at our core and have different motivations in life. Our happiness is driven by different things and our belief systems are not identical.  So take some time to understand other people, particularly when they matter enough to you. 

Here's a little rhyme to remind you of this rule!

You're a fish, I'm a monkey;
I revel in the trees, you bring life to the sea!
You need water and so do I,
Though we use it differently!

You can't live on land, 
I can't survive in the sea;
That doesn't make you right or me wrong,
We're just different, you and me!

Yet if we were friends,
I'm sure we'd do just fine,
'Coz we could just party on the banks,
You in your comfort zone, me in mine!

I was always good at perceiving the feelings and preferences of others but ever since I have heard of this rule, I try more consciously to apply it to all my relationships - personal and professional. Of course I'm only human so I do falter sometimes, but in most cases, where I have paid attention to the likes, dislikes, idiosyncracies, fetishes, preferences, thought process, belief systems and feelings of others, I have found that they genuinely appreciate the attention to these details. It has only strengthened my relationships. 

If you have heard of this rule for the first time, do try it out. And if it resonates with you as something you anyway do, then kudos to you on your interpersonal skills!! :)

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