5. Pretending to be someone you are not.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times over: perfection is overrated. Most of us have some areas in our life in which we excel, some that we simply manage and others where we fail on a regular basis. You know what? That’s perfectly fine. (See what I did there?) Trying to project an image that we have it all together all the time can be pretty intimidating to others who, like us, are beautifully imperfect. Yes, making a good first impression is important, but it’s not always realistic. Being your genuine self on a regular basis, even in your not-so-perfect moments, helps you foster more meaningful connections with others because you are relatable. Be yourself and then create an environment where others can be too… flaws and all.
Military spouse life affords us a unique opportunity to foster relationships with many different kinds of people, with a variety of skills, life experiences and connections. Having a strong network can benefit us socially and professionally when we remember to focus on others, provide value, follow-up, be ourselves and connect others. It’s a recipe for networking success!
