Relationships take work. That includes all relationships, including the one with your significant other, your parents, your siblings, your best friend and your co-workers. You are bound to have tons of different relationships in your life, but there will be those you want to strengthen and foster. Fortunately, there are some easy things you can do that will apply to any kind of relationship, which means the most loving and strong relationships with everyone. Hooray!
1. Have Alone Time
This sounds intimate, but you should make time to be alone with anyone who is important to you. Things may get romantic if you’re alone with your significant other, but being alone with your parents, sister or bestie is also important. It allows the two of you to focus on your relationship and bond over things you both love. That might be cooking with your mom or playing golf with your dad. Whatever it is, make time to be alone together.
2. Hand out Compliments
When you give someone a compliment, it helps them feel closer to you and helps convey the love you feel for that person. So next time you see your bestie, compliment her new shoes, tell your brother what a great dad he is and let your guy know that you love that pair of jeans. You’ll feel great and so will everyone you have a relationship with.
3. Talk about Issues Instead of Letting Them Fester
Even the most loving and healthiest relationships aren’t free of conflict. Everyone is going to upset you or do something wrong from time to time. Instead of letting it go to prevent further conflict, the relationship experts urge you to hash it out. Tell the person what they did that is bothering you and talk about it so you can find an acceptable resolution. Keeping it to yourself will just result in resentment and more conflict.
4. Do Nice Things for Each Other
They say that acts of service is a love language. For me, anytime someone does something for me that makes my life a little easier, my loving feelings are enhanced. That includes when my husband, my kids, my friends and my parents go out of their way to do something nice for me. I like to do the same anytime I can. This give and take is the perfect way to foster a healthy relationship with anyone in your life.
5. Laugh All the Time
Laughter makes you feel good and enhances the bond you feel with a person. This is especially true for romantic relationships, but laughing with the ones you love creates memories you’ll share for the rest of your life. Watch a funny movie together or go see a comedy show. All that laughing is perfect for strengthening your relationship.
6. Celebrate the Big Things Together
I always feel closer to the ones I love after we celebrate something. That includes my wedding anniversary with my husband, our kids’ birthdays, holidays and any other victory that happens. Sharing a celebration makes you feel good and creates memories with all the people you have relationships with.
7. Go on a Trip Together
Being close together on a shared vacation creates the perfect backdrop for fostering a relationship. You’re in a good mood because you’re getting a break, but you also have the time and energy to focus on the people you’re with. Book a vacay with your significant other, your family or your friends and I guarantee you’ll come home feeling closer to each other.
8. Accept Them
It's no surprise a relationship will fail if you're constantly trying to change the other person. Instead, you need to learn to accept them for who they are-even if it means dealing with their flaws. Once you accept them your relationship will only grow stronger and deeper.
9. Solidify YouR Friendship
There's a reason they say your significant other should be your best friend; when you deepen your friendship with your partner you build on the foundation of your relationship. By becoming close as friends you help to eliminate the jealousy and other troubles that come from lack of a secure attachment. So make sure they are more than just your bed buddy if you want to make your relationship stronger.
10. Find Common Goals
A great way to build strength in your relationship is to find common goals. By both of you aspiring to reach the same finish line it helps tighten your bond because you both want to reach it and will do what it takes to get there together! Think of it like a 3-legged race; if you don't work together and build a rhythm won't reach the finish line. :)
What relationships are you working on? Do you think any of these ideas will help?