What is the difference between ‘Reacting’ and ‘Responding’?

What is the difference between 'Reacting' and 'Responding'?

80% of people reacts in day to day life situations and rest 20 % actually respond to it.Now what you make out of it? 

 

React in action.

When somebody tries to make you angry or someone said the stuff which you can’t bear, then automatically you will react in a way, which will be the result of that particular matter. Now the question comes ‘What will be your response if you are facing that kind of disrespect’? Obviously you will get angry and you are going to burst out.This quick reaction to any situation is called reacting, it means you are not thinking , you are just giving out your harsh emotions. Now you are trying to defend yourself. When you react to any kind of situation that process of mind changes your behavior and what comes out is really not remarkable.


When people react, it seems to be defensive. We seem to be at a disadvantage. We are uncomfortable with what is being said or done, and we react. In our reactions, our emotions take a central role. The hair on our neck stands on end. We feel our stomach turn. Our face heats up and our defenses are on red alert.

We know reactions when we see it. In fact, some people on the other side will intentionally stoke the fires, especially when they know we will react. They know if they poke we will coil up and be ready to react in a full way.

There is a downside to reacting. We let emotions without reason drive us forward. We lose control. Reacting is sporadic and emotional.

The upside may be passion, but our passion needs to be centered on purpose, not an unexpected, unproductive stimulus.

 

Respond in action.


On the flip side is respond. There is still an external spur to our response. Responding, though, is more thoughtful. Responses contain reasoning.

The difference may be this: Responding is guided less by emotion and more by logic.

Responding may be passive in nature, as we are going second in a series. However, a response is more active, and it can change the direction of an interaction.

The upside of a solid response is an engaging conversation, all positive and all civil. We learn. We grow. We listen. We respond. We act forthrightly and from within.

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