People often fail to truly listen, waiting for their turn to talk or interrupting instead. This behavior, along with gossiping, insensitivity, and self-absorption, can damage relationships. Recognizing our role in relationship problems is the crucial first step toward healing them.

Common relationship-damaging behaviors include:

• Arguing endlessly on social media
• Gossiping behind others' backs
• Invalidating others' feelings
• Dominating conversations with self-centered talk
• Interrupting or changing subjects when others speak

Four barriers that prevent us from recognizing our blame:

1. Denial - Believing nothing is wrong
2. Justification - Refusing to change established behavior
3. Obliviousness - Lacking awareness of problems
4. Insensitivity - Disregarding others' feelings

Steps to recognize relationship-damaging behavior:

• Pray for guidance in identifying hurtful actions
• Seek honest feedback from neutral third parties
• Consider how you would feel if treated the same way
• Examine your motives (selfishness vs. selflessness)
• Consider others' perspectives and personalities

The sooner we recognize our role in damaging relationships, the easier they are to repair. Critical self-reflection and prioritizing others' feelings are essential for beginning the healing process.

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