Human beings thrive on relationships. They need parents, friends, guardians, lovers, mentors, and even acquaintances to interact with and be happy. All relationships require work and effort; they require understanding and sometimes need compromises from everyone involved. However, a relationship that's built carefully and considerately over time can withstand all manner of storms.
Think of relationships to be like walls. If the wall is built securely with good quality bricks and cement, it will last for a long time and weather all kinds of storms. If it's not built well, the wall can collapse under strain and cause a lot of problems. Here are some bricks to help you build a strong relationship.
1. Be fully present
There's a difference between being fully present and being just physically present. That can make or break any relationship. When you're fully present, you focus on the person and the interaction with them. You listen to what they have to say, offer comfort, advice, or assistance, and show that their presence is valued by paying attention. When you're only physically present, all other parties involved in the conversation will notice and that will lead to problems in the relationship.
Be sure to devote your full attention to companions when you're with them, as it will help build a strong relationship from the outset. Paying attention will also encourage the opposite person to focus on you and the relationship will become a two-way exchange. This creates a relationship with open and easy communication, and reduces the chances of misunderstandings. Better communication helps develop a healthier relationship that's likely to last for a long time.
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2. Open up
Some people have a closed body language and disposition, which can discourage or intimidate others. This can be a big hindrance to building relationships, even professional ones. People like to converse and interact with friendly individuals. They won't approach you, or attempt to engage in a conversation if you don't open up. Learn how to keep an open body language and welcome conversation.
It's also a good idea to make an attempt to be open and friendly, especially at parties, networking events, and other such locations. That can help develop positive relationships and also leave a good impression on people you meet for the first time. Many people find it very difficult to open up, especially in social events and in large crowds, but it's possible to overcome this obstacle with some practice and effort.
3. Acknowledge mistakes and apologize for them
Pride is one of the biggest obstacles in any relationship, be it personal or professional. Everyone makes mistakes and most people acknowledge these mistakes and forgive them eventually. However, if a person refuses to admit they've committed a mistake and apologise for it, a relationship won't last for long.
It's not easy to admit to a mistake and apologise for it, because no one really likes making them. But the ability to do so sends the right message to people you're interacting with, and they're more willing to develop a good relationship with you. This shows you're honest and have the ability to compromise, which are appealing qualities. Admitting to mistakes and apologising also helps others open up and admit to mistakes that they've made. You provide a safer and more accepting environment, which makes other people more comfortable.
4. Speak when you need to
It's important to express your concerns, offer opinions, and become involved in discussions. Without conversations and active input from you, the relationship can fizzle out and eventually die. It's also important to speak when you feel the relationship is doing you disservice or causing harm. People want to know what you're thinking, and want to be confident about their relationship with you.
Don't be afraid to speak up and engage people you want to build a relationship with. Being an active participant will help you create a more solid bond and also ensure the person feels valued.
5. Always respect people you're in a relationship with
Equal relationships are very strong and can easily endure a lot of problems. Whether it's the relationship between siblings, lovers, employer and employee, a vendor and customer, there needs to be a level of mutual respect between the parties involved. If a person feels undervalued, underappreciated, and disrespected in a relationship, they're more likely to leave it and cut all ties.
Giving respect ensures you receive respect in return. If you treat people well and kindly, they're compelled to treat you with an equal amount of respect and kindness, which is a good foundation for any relationship.
6. Don't let misunderstandings or conflict linger
Misunderstandings can cause a lot of problems in a relationship and weaken it considerably. It's important not to let any misunderstanding linger for too long. While broaching a sensitive subject can be difficult, the effect can have a positive impact in the long run and make the relationship more secure and enduring.
Open conversation and good communication skills can help reduce the number of misunderstandings; however, sometimes, they can happen regardless of the steps you take. If you believe a misunderstanding has occurred, or some conflict has arisen, don't hesitate to bring it up and explain your version of events to the parties involved. If you keep your language inoffensive and respectful, the situation will be resolved easily.
7. Show Empathy
Empathy is also a very important aspect of any relationship. It helps people understand one another and be compassionate in times of need. All kinds of relationship, personal and professional, need some level of empathy to survive. Always keep an open mind and try to place yourself in the other person's shoes. That can help ensure you're treating others with compassion and understanding, which can help strengthen the relationship.
So, there you have the seven bricks that you can use to build a strong relationship.
My suggestion on how to implement this may sound easy, but in practice, may not be. They are all related to each other, so pick the three that strike you the most as something that you can change. If you work on those, they will overflow into the others too, and I bet you end up improving in all seven. Go ahead, pick three, and commit that over the next three months, you will endeavour to improve in those areas, and your relationships will all benefit from that decision. Not in some small degree, immensely. Go on, do it.
If you'd like to learn more about building relationships, why not take a look at how we can help?
Boost your interpersonal skills with our online courses.
RRP from $89 – limited time offer just $12.99
