Pilar Sordo: 'We Have Less Patience' in Modern Relationships

Chilean psychologist and writer Pilar Sordo observes a concerning trend in contemporary social interactions: a significant decrease in patience and a narrowing of vocabulary. In a conversation with José del Rio for LA NACION, Sordo highlighted how this linguistic reduction impacts individuals' ability to articulate their inner states. Citing Spanish psychiatrist José Luis Marín, she noted that a lack of words can lead to emotional distress, especially as human exchange increasingly relies on superficial methods like emojis over deep dialogue.

“

We have been reducing patience, because not only is it difficult for me to tell you what's happening to me, but you also have less patience to listen to me.

Sordo points to diminishing patience as a key factor preventing mutual understanding. "We have been reducing patience, because not only is it difficult for me to tell you what's happening to me, but you also have less patience to listen to me," she stated. This dynamic makes it challenging to foster conversations where both parties feel genuinely heard and acknowledged. True conversation, she believes, requires a willingness to be transformed by what the other person shares, preventing it from devolving into intermittent monologues.

Her extensive research indicates that an individual's internal dialogue profoundly shapes their self-esteem and worldview. "How you speak to yourself defines your self-esteem and your vision of the world," Sordo explained. If someone perceives themselves as trustworthy or noble, they tend to project these qualities onto their environment. This self-perception influences how individuals navigate grief, define their life's purpose, and express their emotions.

“

How you speak to yourself defines your self-esteem and your vision of the world.

Furthermore, Sordo argues that personal growth inherently involves discomfort, a feeling many actively avoid. She criticizes the societal pressure for constant happiness, asserting that discomfort is the primary catalyst for genuine growth and shifts in priorities. "Discomfort is the only invitation to growth," she affirmed, noting the difficulty of accepting this necessary friction in a culture adept at evasion. Sordo also champions the fundamental human right to change one's opinion, make mistakes, and leave situations that compromise well-being.

“

Discomfort is the only invitation to growth.