5 Practices You Should Incorporate to Build Better Relationships
Maybe your relationship is great! Maybe it’sā¦not so much. Whatever the state may be, it is always (and I mean, ALWAYS) important for relationships to keep improving upon what you’ve got if it makes for a stable and healthy lifestyle. Health isn’t always just physical, it’s emotional too. Make sure you and your partner are establishing healthy ways of interactingĀ and building your relationship to be in its best form! Here’s how you can start.
1. Express Gratitude
Womenās Health lists this as the number one way to build a better relationship. As it turns out, acknowledging your partnerās little gifts to you (even if they are in the form of back rubs or cleaning the house) can help you to āhold [your partner] in higher regard.ā However, giving a gift in return can make a partner feel āindebted,ā so it is absolutely not necessary to reciprocate every time. It is the appreciation itself that creates positivity in the relationship.Ā
2. Actively Listen
Are you ever speaking to a friend and think, āTheyāre just nodding along, I must be boring themā? I think weāve all had those moments, but it doesnāt mean that youāre boring, nor does it mean that the person to whom you were speaking is actually uninterested. Often times, the listener is engaged, but just has difficulty showing it.
I canāt push the development of this skill enough. The art of listening while giving acknowledgement and support can take time to master, but will make all the difference. Asking questions such as āhow do you feel about that?ā, or even clarification questions, may seem to indicate that you havenāt been listening, but actually serve the opposite purpose. Asking for clarification makes it clear that youāve been listening and want to understand the issue or situation better.
3. Boost Your Partnerās Self-Esteem When Needed
Psychology Today notes this as one of 21 essential relationship skills. This doesnāt mean that you are your partnerās therapist and must hold their hand through everything, but it does mean being emotionally supportive and reassuring when your partner is in need of a little confidence boost. Rather than leaving your partner to figure it out on their own, offer a little encouragement, even in a small positive phrase such as, āYouāre so much fun to talk to.ā
4. Try New Things Together
It is more than okayāsometimes better, in factāto have interests that vary from those of your partner. Itās what keeps things interesting for you both, and allows you to live your own lives. Maintaining your individuality in a relationship is crucial to your own development as a well-rounded person.
But once in awhile, it can be beneficial to try something new as a couple. Youāll be able to bond over these new experiences, and share in the memories that result. This might mean taking a class, visiting a new place, seeing a movie neither has seen,Ā aĀ fun date night at home, or even just going for a walk in a different area than usual.
5. Express Anger the Right Way
Perhaps youāve heard comedian John Mulaneyās joke about Irish people keeping emotions bottled up.
Yes, this is a stereotype. However, itās true that not everyone is liberal with sharing their feelings. In order to maintain an open line of communication and let go of hurtful anger, those negative emotions need to be expressed. Hanging on to annoyances can create resentment or passive aggression; no one wants to be in uncomfortable relationships with brooding participants. Make it easy on everyone: share your anger in a constructive manner. Allow your partner to listen and perhaps try to talk out the situation.
Building better relationships takes time and skills. Those skills can be built, and they donāt need to be built alone! Use this skill-building as an opportunity for individual and team growth.
Resources: Women’s Health, Psychology Today
You got it on every point. When my husband started his business I helped him (still helping him) to accomplish everything he needed to start up. And we can see the fruits now.
This is a great list. If I ever finally get in a relationship I will definitely try to follow these!
These are good, solid tips on how to keep relationships healthy and growing. It can be easy to fall into the routine and ignore each other’s needs sometimes. Making each other a priority is key.
Such a great sentiment! Very true.
active listening is something i still need to be working on. But it’s something
It’s all about improving these things over time, don’t worry!
These are awesome tips. Expressing anger right away works for us. It’s hard to bottle up emotions.
So glad you found them helpful, Esme!
I agree that listening and expressing your feelings is super important in making a better realationship. Sometimes I struggle with expressing things but I’m trying to improve that š
Great Points mentioned. I totally agree with you in expressing one’s feeling and not keeping it inside heart.
I totally agree…..sometimes we sweat the small stuff too much and not pay attention to the little things that can really cause a rift