If you have a strong personality, you may miss life’s warnings because you expect them to be forceful in nature.

The thing is, everyone isn’t like you. People don’t always present counsel in a pushful way. Some use body language or a look. Some are too gentlemanly or ladylike to insist on getting into your business. Sometimes, people may even be afraid of you or may feel that based on previous instances, you rarely listen anyway, so why bother?

When catastrophe happens, you always had warnings beforehand. Maybe your conscience troubled you and tried to get your attention. Maybe you felt people pulling away from you in silent protest and disapproval.

Listen to life’s warnings. Encourage people to tell you the truth by submitting yourself to counsel, without interruption. Be deliberately patient.

Even if you don’t always agree with other people’s points, listen actively and promise to consider. Stop being defensive and stop replying immediately. It won’t encourage people to talk next time.

You must also resist a superiority complex where you are always right. Or, an Impostor Syndrome, where you are afraid people will discover you’re not good enough.

Vulnerability is the hallmark of successful relationships. You can be vulnerable. You can be wrong. You can listen to the ideas of others. It will make you a better person.