Strategies for relationship success
Everyone wants to build a strong relationship, either with friends, family, coworkers or significant others. A good relationship doesn’t just happen; it takes some work to build a relationship. In order to form a bond with others, we sometimes have to let ourselves be vulnerable or take risks to connect. That may mean communicating with someone about what they mean to you or initiating a conversation with someone new. The most successful relationships are based on respect and trust. Communication is one of the most important parts of a relationship. If we do not communicate, the important people in our lives will not know how we are feeling or what we need. In fact, one of the most harmful things we could do in a relationship is expecting someone else to read our minds and know what we want without saying it. That being said, there are many things that we can do to improve and build upon our relationships!
1) Communicate your feelings to others. When someone doesn't feel heard, it can create feelings of resentment and animosity. On the other hand, people are often afraid to communicate their feelings to others in fear that people will become upset with them. However, if you have open and honest communication, you set yourself up for success.
2) Listen when others share their feelings with you. While it’s incredibly important to be heard in a relationship, it’s also really important to show the other person that you care about their feelings. When someone is communicating how they feel, it's not your job to debate, argue, or give your opinion. Rather, let them share their feelings, and show that you are listening.
3) Schedule time to spend together. Make your relationship a priority and make time for each other, even if you have to schedule it. Spending time together will only make your relationship stronger.
4) Be supportive: Try not to judge, criticize or blame each other. We are all human. Remind yourself that you are a team, and in order for the team to be successful, you each have to cheer the other on.
5) Compromise. When arguments occur and you’re not able to reach a consensus, the best thing to do is to compromise. Acknowledge different points of view and be willing to give and take.
If you and your partner are having difficulty communicating with one another, consider couples therapy to help improve different aspects of your relationship. Therapy can help improve communication, learn more about one another, and become stronger as a couple.