A fundamental aspect of connection is to understand and be understood. Wanting to feel understood is simply an essential part of the human experience across all personality types. It’s not based solely on speaking the same language or agreeing about the meaning of words – feeling understood transcends language. It’s the feeling that your thoughts, emotions, and ideas are not only acknowledged by others but also fully grasped and appreciated.
Feeling understood establishes an emotional connection, validates our sense of self, fosters acceptance, and promotes a sense of belonging. When we feel understood, we find ourselves in a safe haven where we can be honest, vulnerable, and true to ourselves.
On the flip side, when we feel misunderstood, a range of emotions might arise and serve as a breeding ground for self-doubt, second-guessing, and insecurity. Miscommunication creates a barrier – one that stops relationships from deepening. It can be a disheartening situation when what we’re trying to convey is simply not picked up on by others. Our communication falling short can create a sense of isolation. Even when we’re in the company of others, we can feel profoundly alone. However, we don’t have to.
The road that we travel in this article is a two-way street: as we yearn to be understood, we also must make an effort to understand others. That’s why we bring in empathy, as it’s pivotal in creating meaningful connections. Let’s go through these aspects step-by-step.
The Impact of Feeling Misunderstood
Feeling misunderstood is not exclusive to any one personality type. According to our “Being Misunderstood” survey, 91% of respondents say they often feel misunderstood, including a majority of each personality Role.
“Emotional Intelligence” survey, there is no personality type that is absolutely incapable of knowing how others are feeling just by looking at them. That’s as good a start as any.
“Belonging” survey, specific personality types feel a stronger sense of belonging with different types of people. People who welcome intellectually challenging conversations and allow for ideas and opinions to be shared and questioned in a constructive manner might be the perfect match for most Analysts and Diplomats, whereas Sentinels and Explorers might look for people with whom they can share moments and experiences.