Defensive behavior is a natural reaction to protect ourselves from vulnerability, criticism, conflict, or rejection. It stems from a fear of being wrong or facing embarrassment. This defensiveness triggers a physiological response, flooding the body with adrenaline. However, it's important to differentiate between real physical danger and the ego's perceived threats. Reacting defensively to non-threatening situations can harm relationships. Recognizing and changing this war mentality response is crucial to preventing unnecessary damage to relationships.
When someone comes to you with negative feedback, do you get defensive?
Do you automatically come up with reasons why you did something, building a case for the way you did it?
Do you shift the blame onto someone else?
Or does your heart start racing?
If this resonates, you are not alone. It is human to want to defend your choices, actions, and beliefs.
But defensiveness damages our relationships, which is why this episode is all about becoming more aware of defensive behavior and what you can do instead.
I am covering the signs and symptoms of defensiveness, why we get defensive in the first place, and strategies you can use to become less defensive.
Read the show notes for today's episode at terricole.com/548