Whether platonic or romantic, relationships are an important part of our lives. The relationships we form are vital to our mental well-being and, in essence, can make our life much healthier.
Think back to when you were a child. Making friends in the playground was an everyday thing and for some, quite an easy task. However, as you grow up it can be more difficult to form relationships that last.
The quick-moving workdays of endless to-do lists, countless meetings and the mundane grocery trips after work can be exhausting, usually leaving little to no time for you to nurture those bonds you’ve formed over the years.
We’ve put together three tips you can easily add to your life so as to ensure you build and strengthen those important relationships in your life.
1. Communication
Ok, we get it. You barely have time to listen to your own thoughts half-the-time, but communication is the key to any relationship. An easy way to incorporate this into your busy schedule is to set a time apart to make a quick call to check in with someone. And, if you cannot commit to a phone call, a simple text message or even an e-mail is still an effective way of keeping in touch with a loved one.
2. Listening
We have two ears and one mouth for a reason! Listening is an essential skill in all relationships. A lot of time, we make the mistake of hearing another but not really listening to them. So, when you do next communicate, be intentional about really listening to what they have to say. This will keep you informed on what is going on in their life and the ways you can help or be included.
3. Face-to-Face Interactions
You can listen to someone via a call or text, or email all you want, but nothing beats meeting-up in the real world and connecting face-to-face. Spending quality time together can build an unbreakable bond. We suggest you set a goal of never letting six weeks pass without connecting in person.
