Improving relationships
In the debut article of this column, I talked about accepting that relationships will always remain the same, and that some people may not always be a part of our lives. This week, I want to discuss the relationships that are healthy – the ones that you want to keep in your life – and tips about how to keep them that way.
Having healthy relationships always begin, in the same place – with ourselves. Healthy relationships are built on strong and healthy foundations. We may not always recognize the detrimental affect we can have on our relationships if we aren’t paying enough attention to ourselves first.
Jealously is something that is often found in both platonic and romantic relationships – we should understand that this could be due to the fact that we have some deep-rooted insecurity in ourselves, or that we have been mistreated in the past. This doesn’t mean that there is something wrong with us – it just means that it will take some extra work to develop healthy habits in relationships where the other person involved is someone who has never done anything to wrong us.
Healthy relationships also need to be tended to. People need attention – they need to feel valued and appreciated. If you have a relationship that means a lot to you, it is important to show appreciation and gratitude towards the other, but it is equality important to be sure you are receiving the same respect in return. A way to be sure that this is going both ways is to develop open communication with those you care about, and feel comfortable talking about what you need out of the relationship. For instance, if you have a friend who works a different schedule than you do, try and find a time during the week that you can meet for coffee – catch up and stay connected. By making a commitment to open communication and making time for those you care about, you are fostering positive relationships. Take responsibility for your actions, and make an effort to improve yourself and your relationships.