The moment we come into this world, we’re surrounded by relationships from our caretakers to our early friendships. Part of the journey of life is to find our social network in whatever form helps us. A close friend may become a romantic partner, family may move miles away and only be connected through social media, but through it all, understanding yourself and building your understanding of others can help maintain that strong bond.
1. Know your love language
Everybody loves and wants to be loved; the difference lies in how they want that to happen. In this free online quiz from 5 Love Languages, you can learn the primary way you want to receive love from the five love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch. Understanding that there is a possibility of translation error between how you express love and how others receive your love can lead to a better quality relationship not just with your partner, but also all your loved ones.
2. What are the fundamentals to a healthy relationship?
To have a healthy relationship, one must know what a healthy relationship looks like. Loveisrespect states “open, honest and safe communication” serves as the strong basis of any relationship. Along with quality communication, other fundamentals include being able to speak up for your own needs, respect for one another, compromise, providing and receiving support, and also giving space for privacy.
3. Productive conflict resolution conversations
In relationships — familial, platonic and romantic alike — conflicts are bound to arise. The difference between letting conflicts break the bond or build it is how both parties handle conflict resolution. The American Management Association details a five-step process on conflict resolution in this post, starting with identifying the source of conflict. After looking beyond just the incident (sometimes, perspective is more to blame than the actual event), and identifying possible solutions, the post suggests finding solutions that work for all parties and end on an agreement. This might seem like a simple process, but in the heat of anger, it’s easy to resort to shouting and finger-pointing.
This process works beyond close relationships but truly apply for any sort of interaction, be it work-related or anything involving teamwork. This article on HelpGuide provide even more depth and insight on the emotional aspect of conflict resolution and also touches on the role of nonverbal communication. Understanding how to navigate conflict can improve your life in all interactions and perhaps bring just a bit more peace and calm.
4. “I” language
It’s hard to imagine how something as simple as a one-letter world can make a world of difference in conversation, but recognizing the importance of speaking to our own experiences rather than inferring another person’s character can lead to more productive conversations as well as empower ourselves. I-language refers to primarily using “I” when speaking with others and avoid using “you.” So in conflict, this might turn, “You’re so disrespectful for making me wait 30 minutes,” into, “I feel disrespected when I’m left waiting 30 minutes.” The change in perspectives makes the statement less of an attack and a reflection on why you’re upset.
In this article on HuffPost, Maddisen K. Krown delves into more ways I-language can empower us and use this change to build stronger and more understanding relationships with those around us.
5. Understand what unhealthy relationships look like
Just as how it’s important to know what a healthy relationship looks like to have one, it’s just as important to identify signs of an unhealthy relationship. In this post on the One Love Foundation’s website, they list 10 signs of an unhealthy relationship, such as intensity, jealousy, deflecting responsibility and manipulation. Alice Boyes on Psychology Today goes even further with a list of 51 signs of an unhealthy relationship. While these are targeted toward romantic relationships, they very much still apply to friendships and family relationships. Be aware of the signs and remember you are deserving of communication, respect and safety.
Each relationship looks different from person to person, time to time, but they all require work and awareness. Barton Goldsmith gives us 10 more tips on Psychology Today on how to maintain that healthy relationship and improve it day by day. Our friends, families and loved ones are meant to build us up, but first we must make a commitment to build ourselves up.
Very true, in a relationship, conflicts always build us, they make us stronger and love each other more. No need to quit. Thanks very much, I now know myself.
1-respect 2-honesty 3- knowledge 4-understanding 5-And open ear to listen to there problems at home 6-sharing time 7- believing in that person 8-open arm 9-water what I mean by water study of the brain says that water not driving water just water on the beach no noise just listen to the water watching flow comfortable played back wine holding the other person helps more then we think 10-love
It is a known fact, that understanding one another creates little pockets of conflicts, which is common to all human relationship,
friendship, and gathering of people as a team, or set of people. Let us learn to try to understand our- selves, and know who we are
as to figure out things for proper actions. Thanks. Remain wonderfully blessed.
Live life to the fullist
Supper cool
Awesome
GREAT!!
In any relationship, there is going to be conflict. No two people think alike. The way to a true, loving relationship is in the willingness to hear the other person out. Let them speak their piece. Once they are finished, feel free to tell your view. Now you both have something to think about. Don’t go over numbered lists, They take away from the actual healing between the two of you. Get back together and talk it over once again and work it out.
Learn to listen to what the other person is saying. Try to compromise with the other person. Admit it when you are wrong.
There will never be a perfect relationship, but if you both put God first and talk truthfully you’ll have a much better chance of having a happy healthy relationship.
I learned by experience after my marriage of 33 years ended that had I put God first and listened to my ex more I possibly could have helped save my marriage.
There is not a perfect relationship but if you both work together it will be a great relationship
Relationships and understanding another’s point of view is important and dealing with the small things can prevent things from becomings big problems talking about and communication with a open Hart and willingness to respect another’s point of view and willingness to compromise and not getting up set and set up a time to talk it over with calmness and prayers
To be Honest , Listen to what is being said. Don’t try to use the other person regardless of the relationship. Don’t Steal nor Lie. Explain what you want from the person you are talking too.
Life differs from one to another. So need not compare with anyone. Whatever it might be however it approaches try to face it.