Living in a foreign country and communicating primarily in a second language has helped me become more responsive. Before I can react and be communicative I have to think about how I can say what I want to say. Usually situations that create this scenario push me outside of my typical language abilities, so sometimes I can't easily formulate what I want to say, which leads me to evaluate the entire situation and how best to respond.

Though I do still react in my native language, especially with my children, I'm much better at catching myself doing so now and changing to a more responseful approach.

Nice article. Thanks!