Building relationships

While technology has made it more convenient to keep in touch with the outside world, and even become re-acquainted with long-lost friends, it has also changed how we define relationships.

Someone with 1,000 Facebook friends may think they’re a rock star.

But, how many of those “friends” would be there to support them when they start a business or go through a personal crisis?

Would you like to know how to form strong and healthy relationships?

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO FOLLOW:

You may have heard this one before, and there is a reason for that – it remains the best place to start.

As Michelle Maros so elegantly puts it in, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life,

“Your relationships outside will flounder if you don’t have unconditional love and compassion for yourself.”

Throughout your life you’ve probably dealt with this problem. Your parents never listened. Your spouse never listens. Your boss just doesn’t understand, or listen.

George P.H. notes in, Pick The Brain,

We can connect with people simply by listening to them, hearing them out without interruption, and doing our best to understand where they’re coming from.

If you feel like you’ve hit it off with someone, professionally or personally, don’t wait for them to get in touch with you.

If you believe that there’s potential for a new relationship, then make sure that you follow-up.

Keith Ferrazzi, author of “Never Eat Alone,” suggests that,

You should follow-up within 48 hours of the first meeting.

Here’s a quick question.

Would you rather spend time with someone who is a downer or someone who is upbeat?

Barbara Fredrickson, a psychologist at the University of North Carolina, backs up the obvious by stating, in Psychology Today,

Positive emotions help us “broaden and build” relationships.

I love this headline from Adrian Savage in LifeHack:

“If you can’t trust yourself, why should others trust you?

We’re all busy, but are you too busy to stop and eat? Probably not.

Relationship expert Nate Bagley from Loveumentary believes that you should “make the time” to schedule a lunch with a friend, acquaintance or family member.

This action will yield great benefits.

Having unrealistic expectations of yourself, the other person, or the relationship in general.

Coming too close too soon, physically or psychologically.

Being negative about self, the relationship or life.

Being a rescuer, a martyr, a savior or a “perfect” person.

Trying to change the other person to suit your needs.

Being too self-centered, judgmental or always “right”.

Stockpiling strong feelings – anger, pain, sadness, neediness – and then pouring them all out at once.

Expecting the other person to be a mind reader, a fixer or always a rock of stability for you.

These practices will not only help you boost your mood and build connections but will also help you form long-lasting and strong relationships.

Hence, you are perfect the way you are and can take it one step at a time towards not a prettier but a rather healthier life!