5 ways to build stronger relationships
Whether you find it difficult to form strong relationships or you’re looking to improve the ones you have.
Practice these 5 things consistently and build stronger relationships today.
1. Communicate
1.5. Kisses
Good communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship.
Whether they be your doubles tennis partner or your soul mate (or both), how can you really know someone without a solid foundation of clear communication? How can you connect on a level beneath the surface? How can you resolve potential issues if you don’t express what’s going on?
Voice how you feel, whether that be through clear verbal communication, hand language or fire signals.
Problems arise when clarity is not present. A lack of communication is a breeding ground for misunderstanding, arguments and anxiety.
As an introvert, I find it difficult sometimes to communicate. I prefer to keep things to myself and look after my own problems when something is wrong.
Remember that your loved ones love you.
So speak to them about what’s going on. It’s both better for your mental health, and for your relationship.
🍵 Uncover how to recognise poor communication and learn the tips to build better communication in your relationships.
2. Listen
There’s a difference between sitting in the presence of someone talking and actually listening. Anyone that’s been to a university lecture can vouch for that.
Look the person in the eyes, soak up the words, emotion and body language. Actively take in what they are saying, without the desire to butt in with your own personal experience or opinion. You’ll get your opportunity.
Whether it be your first date or in the midst of a disagreement, people want to be heard.
Validate, support and listen intently.
🍵 Read up on the do’s and don’ts of listening, it’ll help you be a better listener.
3. Accept support and be supportive
Both are vitally important. Both are skills that you need to practice.
You may be blessed with a caring soul, but you might find it hard to let other people in to help you. On the other side of the spectrum you might find it difficult to understand others and provide the support they need, and find it easy to reach out to people.
Wherever you fall on this spectrum, it’s important to practice accepting support and giving it.
Introverts for example, tend to keep things to themselves and like to fight their own battles. However this can lead to alienating your loved ones and pushing them away.
Learning to accept support may be difficult, but it plays an essential role in your relationship. Being supportive equally so.
If you’re communicating well and listening intently, then this is something that can develop over time. Practicing these behaviours will yield the greatest results.
🍵 “People go where they feel welcome but stay where they feel valued”
The above quote comes from this Ted talk: 4 Habits of ALL Successful Relationships.
I recommend you check it out on your tea/coffee/lunch break.
4. Express unconditional love
My beautiful Pappou (Peter) & Yiayia (Anne) who had a long loving relationship.
It’s true that a relationship goes both ways.
But if you go into a relationship with your own interests at heart, you’ll never really connect with that person. The bond will be fragile. The love will be unbalanced and unhealthy.
You need to give your all consistency.
You have to trust a stranger and be okay with getting hurt.
Your love is on the line, but the risk/reward surpasses the stars.
“Only hands can wash hands, If you want to receive, you must first give” - cowboy bebop
If you want love, you have to love without wanting something in return.
What goes around, comes around.
5. Be honest
You have to be honest to build a relationship because that creates trust.
There is no deceit, lies, ambiguity, or manipulation when you're honest. You can rely on someone, and they can rely on you.
Without trust, your relationship is a ticking time bomb.
It’s a lemon sherbet in your mouth about to burst.
It’s a cup of tea that cracks each day until the tea spills out and the cup is unrecognisable. The relationship you had is gone. And you’re left picking up the cracked up tea cup.
Honesty reflects who you are.
It reflects your values and it is an indicator of what the future’s holds in a relationship.
People do change. But it’s hard to fix a fractured cup.
