Relationships are the building blocks of society, and it is important that we develop and sustain healthy relationships because it has a lot to do with how far we go in our journey through life. We are all in some form of relationship, with family, at work, with friends and even romantic partners. People are the means through which we get what we want and since nobody comes with a handbook to building relationships, we must make deliberate efforts to develop the right attitude to building relationships.
There is an art and science to enjoying great relationships and sometimes we struggle with having fulfilling relationships. Luckily no matter how good or bad you are, there’s always room to improve on your relationship-building skills or learn how to, using the following steps.
- Be genuinely interested
Show genuine interest in what they do, from their career, work-life, family, to the things that directly or primarily concerns them. This brings a sense of warmness to their hearts towards you, breaks the ice and can help them open up better to you. It also helps you discover your common interests and values and helps create a deeper connection.
However, do not be fake about it. People can smell pretence from a mile and if they sense you are putting up an act, they would have a difficult time trusting you.
- Smile more
Smiling diffuses tension. It makes you look more approachable and friendlier. It also helps people feel more comfortable around you. People tend to withdraw or avoid people who look too grim every time, try to create a welcoming environment around you. A simple smile can make and brighten someone’s day and attract people to you.
- Remember the person’s name
This is a basic common etiquette and an act of simple courtesy. It genuinely matters to always try to remember the names of people you meet. It saves you from embarrassing and awkward situations and makes the other party feel respected and valued.
- Listen more, talk less
There are not too many people willing to take on the role of listeners in relationships today and this is not very healthy. Allow people to express themselves freely, even if you have something to say as they speak, make mental notes and do not interrupt until they are finished speaking. That way you avoid building up tension and possibly getting into arguments. To make others feel important, you must learn to share the spotlight. Learn to listen instead of judge
- Make them feel important
Nobody wants to be treated as the side attraction or dismissed in any relationship. If people feel like they do not matter or count around you, they will keep away to preserve their self-esteem and self-worth. Always give genuine compliments and involve people actively in discussions. Ask them for their inputs, it shows you respect their personality and opinions and makes them feel wanted.
As you navigate through the complexities of the world, undoubtedly you would need to be surrounded by real people, be there for them as they would for you. Following the aforementioned steps would not just help you build healthy relationships but teach you to sustain them.
