We all know that Golden Rule, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It encourages us to treat each other with the same respect, kindness and fairness we desire for ourselves. It focuses on positive, loving action instead of just avoiding harm. Recently I learned of the Platinum Rule and it gave me pause for thought. The Platinum Rule encourages us to treat others as they want to be treated, a difference so subtle, I thought, as to be unimportant. But then I got to thinking.

I am a hugger, I show love by hugging and have difficulty not foisting them upon those I care for. However not everyone enjoys a hug, for many it is quite uncomfortable. That is one difference between those two rules, both require empathy and respect but how we show that should be catered to the individual we are with.

Are there relationships in your life that could be made better by considering the differences in how you would like to be shown kindness versus how they would best appreciate it? This week I encourage you to have conversations with those close to you about how they experience the actions that bring you positive emotions and those that create the same feelings in them. Do they appreciate long conversations or do they require quiet to regroup and reenergize? Would they appreciate advice or just a ready ear to bounce things off of? You might find that this seemingly subtle difference could create more joy in your life for both of you,