The 3 Magic Words That Can Transform Your Relationships
Have you ever had a conversation that felt like a breakthrough?
Perhaps it’s when someone said something so simple yet profound, it shifted the entire dynamic.
A friend recently shared a moment like this with me. He said, “I used the 3 Magic Words with my son and it completely transformed our interaction.”
Curious, I asked, “What are the 3 Magic Words?”
He laughed and said you were the one who taught me the phrase, “That Makes Sense.”
These three words, when said with authenticity and empathy, hold an extraordinary power to heal, connect, and bring clarity to even the most challenging situations.
Let’s explore why this is and how you can harness their magic.
Understanding the Magic Behind the Words
What makes these words so impactful?
It’s not just the phrase itself but the intention behind it. When you say, “That makes sense,” you’re doing more than acknowledging someone’s perspective. You’re creating a bridge between your understanding and theirs, validating their feelings and thoughts without necessarily agreeing.
This act of validation communicates, “I hear you, and I respect where you’re coming from.”
In a world where many feel misunderstood or dismissed, offering someone this level of understanding is a rare and beautiful gift.
Breaking Free From the Ego’s Grip
Let’s be honest: seeing someone else’s perspective is not always easy.
Our natural instinct is to filter everything through our own experiences, beliefs, and emotions. The ego constantly pulls us to center the world around “me.”
But stepping into another’s shoes requires us to loosen the grip of our ego. It challenges us to move beyond our immediate reactions and open ourselves to another’s reality.
This doesn’t mean abandoning your own views but choosing, even for a moment, to focus entirely on theirs.
How Empathy Transforms Everyday Interactions
Imagine the impact of these 3 Magic Words in everyday scenarios:
- Your child is upset about a school project. Instead of dismissing their frustration, you say, “That Makes Sense. I can see why you would be upset.” This simple acknowledgment can ease their stress and open the door for collaboration.
- During a disagreement with your partner, you pause and genuinely say, “That Makes Sense. I can understand why you thought that.” Suddenly, the tension softens, and real dialogue becomes possible.
- A colleague voices concerns about a project. By responding with, “That Makes Sense. I can see that,” you show you value their input, fostering trust and teamwork.
Granting People the Freedom to Be Themselves
One of the most liberating acts of kindness is granting others the freedom to be who they are, without trying to change or fix them. When you say, “That Makes Sense.” you’re giving them permission to feel, think, and experience life in their unique way.
This doesn’t mean you’re condoning harmful behavior or abandoning your own principles. Instead, you’re choosing to approach the situation with curiosity and compassion, creating a safe space for mutual understanding.
When Understanding Feels Difficult
What if you deeply disagree with someone or find their perspective troubling?
This is where the real power of these words shines. Saying, “That Makes Sense.” doesn’t mean you’re conceding. It means you’re pausing to understand why their reality feels valid to them.
For example:
- A friend makes a decision you wouldn’t. Instead of jumping to judgment, you might say, “That Makes Sense. I can see that you’re doing what feels right for you.”
- Someone expresses a belief you find challenging. By saying, “That Makes Sense.” you’re opening a path to dialogue instead of debate.
The Ripple Effect of Empathy
When you use these 3 Magic Words consistently, something amazing happens: not only do your relationships improve, but you also grow as a person.
You become more open, flexible, and connected to the world around you. You’ll notice that others respond to your empathy with greater trust and authenticity.
The best part? You’ll find that offering understanding doesn’t diminish you—it expands you. It creates a ripple effect, encouraging those around you to do the same.
Give It A Try
The next time you find yourself in a conversation, especially one that feels difficult, pause and say, “That Makes Sense. I Can See That.”
Watch what happens. Notice how the energy shifts, how walls come down, and how connection becomes possible.
The magic of these words isn’t in the phrase itself but in your willingness to genuinely see and honor another’s reality.
It’s a small act with a profound impact. Give it a try—you might be amazed by what unfolds.
Let me know your experience in the comments below.
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