Healthy relationships make our lives better! The following eight habits will help keep the spark alive.
Know how to argue
No matter how positive your relationship is, sooner or later you will find fundamental differences of opinion or encounter misunderstandings. Instead of avoiding arguments, learn to discuss disagreements constructively. A complete lack of conflict usually indicates indifference rather than complete idyll. Talk about what bothers you to avoid more serious problems in the future and to understand each other better.
Replace gossip with good reviews
That’s just the way our brains work: negative information is often perceived as interesting and important. But are you comfortable in a world of complaints and bad news? It can be hard to resist talking about other people behind their backs, but why not focus on their good qualities and praise? If you’re going to talk about others, do it in a positive way. This kind of response will also be appropriate if expressed in person. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to forget to take an interest in another person, when you don’t even have the energy to pay attention to yourself. Meanwhile, sincere gratitude, praise, or a nice gift help others see that you truly value them.
Ask, don’t assume
The ability to ask precise and correct questions will save you from many conflicts and disappointments. We often get offended not by real actions, but by the discrepancy between a person’s behavior and our own expectations. Instead of jumping to conclusions and guessing for others, ask once again what’s what, and clarify the details if you are not sure that you have correctly and clearly understood the interlocutor.
Multiply positive practices
Trying to think positively without real reasons is not constructive, it is better to double the number of activities that bring joy to both you and your partner (or friends). For example, if you and your spouse like to cook, go to culinary master classes, sign up for courses or just do it together and more often. The main thing is that such activities are joint and regular – the relationship will become stronger, and you – happier!
Avoid toxic communication
First, make sure that you yourself are not the kind of friend who is always complaining about life and criticizing everything without distinction. Being fixated on negative emotions can be exhausting for both those around you and you. If you do not allow yourself to do this, take a closer look at your surroundings: who inspires you, and who drags you down? After meeting the first, it is easy and joyful, you want to move mountains, and a date with the second only takes away strength and drives you into despondency. If possible, give bores a chance to improve. True, there is a high risk that after a remark about your communication style, you will be deleted from your friends without a second thought. But it is for the best!
Respect dreams
Dreams are a sensitive area for any person. They are not shared with just anyone. So, if you are entrusted with a dream, you are in the inner circle. At this stage, you can either significantly improve the relationship or destroy it by pressing on the sore spot. Support the person in their endeavor, and they will be grateful to you for the rest of their life. Do not devalue someone else’s dream, no matter how unrealistic it may seem. Want to strengthen your relationship? Then create an action plan together! But simple interest without judgment is also excellent motivation and support.
Be honest with yourself
Some relationships simply don’t need to be improved because they’ve become a burden. Perhaps your interests have changed and you have little in common, or perhaps you’ve been giving more than you’ve been receiving. If you’re wondering whether a relationship is worth saving, the answer is probably “no.” To better understand the value of connecting with specific people, it’s important to take the time to connect with yourself. Only when you’re alone can you appreciate the situation from a distance. Being around people all the time makes communication a given, but there’s always a choice.
Communicate one-on-one
Family friends are great, but do you have any of your own? Group communication inevitably becomes superficial. Making time for those people who are especially important to you, even if the task seems almost impossible, is the best investment in them. Let’s be honest: a half-hour conversation once a month during lunch is much better than daily mutual likes on social media. If you can’t meet, calls will do – the main thing is that there are only two participants in the conversation: at least sometimes it is important to communicate face to face.