Every relationship has its ups and downs. Life is as full of difficulties as it is full of happiness. In my opinion, a healthy relationship is not the same as a perfect relationship. A healthy relationship occur when effort takes place and problems are solved. Perfect relationships in which there are zero conflicts don’t exist; they are superficial. Communication is key! Getting to know each other through words is the most efficient and effective way to understanding a friend, and becoming closer with them. Friends are valuable people, so make an effort to keep them! Here are five quick tips on healthy communication:
- Do not be afraid to share your thoughts: Be open with your emotions – if you need help from one of your friends, seek it! If someone truly is your friend, they will try to be accepting of who you are. Do not be afraid of speaking out, but be polite. Friends can offer good advice and consolation – trust them to be there for you.
- Always, always talk it out: Say you’ve gotten into a fight with your best friend, and you haven’t talked to each other for a while. If the both of you are holding a grudge, be the bigger person and break the silence. Recognize the issue at hand, and develop a common purpose to resolve the situation. Cooperate to reach a compromise and an understanding between friends.
- Try to accept and understand: Make an effort to understand others, and yourself as well. Imagine yourself in their shoes, and see their perspectives. Let them feel understood – be on the same page of the conversation! It becomes much more comfortable to speak when safety and security of emotion have been established.
- Be optimistic and patient: Be open to new ideas, and don’t start up a conversation if you insist on staying negative. Believe in the good in others, and the good in life. Talk with good intentions, and share optimism; let the optimism of others affect you. Even if you have issues to discuss, be optimistic that adversity will be overcome in time.
- Appreciate: Appreciate others and their differences. Appreciate people for who they are and what they have accomplished. Diversity exists in all aspects in life, so learn to enjoy people and their words.
Treat others the way you want to be treated, and hope they will treat you with a similar respect! There are many ways on maintaining healthy relationships. Any thoughts on how to build better communication? Leave a thought in the comment section. ☆