If I applied this principle to the people I chose to have in my life, In the past, Then I could have avoided a lot of awkward situations and heartache.

We Write Too Much Off

Whether you are looking for a relationship Or a friendship. Don't "write off" the little things they do. I feel like many of us have learned this the hard way at some point. We spend a lot of time and resources around someone, Ignoring the minor things. We later learn that we overlooked many important things that we should have paid more attention to.

Usually When One Thing Is Out Of Alignment, So Is Everything else.

Regardless of Circumstance

We can come up with excuses for anything. And we often do this with people. But also ourselves, And if you allow yourself to constantly come up with excuses to get out of promises. You are more likely to do that even more. While some things are truly legitimate and there isn't a way around it, Many things are simply "excuses."

IGNORE WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Now, I'm not saying you should be a horrible listener. But worry about their actions 10x more.
"Actions speak louder than words" Is so true!
If someone is constantly promising you something, Yet their actions show they probably will never do it. Then don't fall for that crap. Be prepared to do it yourself.

This often happens in relationships. We sometimes have expectations that your partner may or may not know about. We assume they will do X, But their actions show that they won't do X. Even if they claim that they plan to do it at some point. This happened with my long-term relationship. He said he was ready to move it to the next level and show a higher level of commitment (Engagement.) But I should have seen the signs; He wasn't committed to anything in his life in general. Therefore I shouldn't assume he'll "Magically" want to be committed to me.

Look for patterns with people. And don't expect them to stray from those patterns. Sure you can sometimes get lucky, But ultimately you may end up disappointed.

Another Example: If you see someone who procrastinates at work, There is a good chance they also procrastinate at home, In relationships and every other aspect of their life.

Why is this often the case?

Think about it, If you were different in every aspect of your life, You brain would have to juggle that.
That's a lot of work! Your brain often wants to simplify things. That's why we often do things the same way in every area.
If your coworker's desk is a mess, Their home is probably also a mess. That's just how they live their life, And how they keep their stuff. So it would be silly for you to go over to that coworker's house and expect it to be 100% Clean.

Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule. Such as someone who maybe puts too much effort into one area and chooses to neglect the others.
But in most cases: How you do anything, Is how you do everything!

Do you notice this in your life?