tips on strengthening relationships

Whether it is your partner, your family member, a friend, or a co-worker, relationships are a vitally important part of our lives. It is easy to take a relationship for granted and easy to drift apart. Here are a few reminders and tips on nurturing and strengthening relationships.

1. Positive communication
The best indicator of a happy and long-lasting marriage is positive communication. Sometimes we need to address some deficiencies or problems , but try to have many more positive statements than negative. This is also important in parenting, managing, and generally getting along with others. This is also the best way to shape behavior. Common courtesies are important. We often are more polite to strangers than to those we live and work with. Giving compliments increases the other's self-esteem and strengthens relationships.

2. Spend quality time together
Sometimes with work, family, and other responsibilities it is difficult to schedule time with the significant people in your life. Make an effort to plan a date night, a game night, a shopping date, or just take a break with someone. It will make them and you feel better.

3. Laugh
Laughter reduces stress and releases mood enhancing chemicals in your brain. It stimulates your immune system and lowers your blood pressure. It smoothes tension and brings people closer together. Make an effort to watch some comedy, share a joke, remember a funny time from your past, and look for humorous moments in the day.

4. Take care of yourself
If you are happy and healthy your relationships will be happier and healthier. Sometimes we need some “me time”. Many of us are so caught up in taking care of others that we don't take such good care of ourselves. Take some time for yourself to exercise, listen to music, blow off steam, or just be lazy.

5. Let some things slide
A surefire way to scare someone is to say, “We need to talk”. While some issues definitely need to be addressed we don't need to bring up every annoyance. Some things we can vent to a friend or a counselor or try to have a sense of humor about.

6. Prayer
Regardless of your belief system or lack thereof, nine of 10 Americans use some form of prayer at least occasionally. A recent study conducted at Florida State University showed that people who prayed for their partner's well-being had fewer vengeful thoughts and emotions. They were more likely to forgive and move on when the relationship hit a rough patch.

7. Random acts of kindness
Getting an unexpected note, gift, or expression of gratitude will make someone's day. It will also help the giver feel better. This can be even more powerful when done anonymously.

If you struggle with relationships and would like a bit of help, remember your EAP. Call us. We can help. 770.834.8327.