Relationships

Inspirably.com

I love how our insurance gives us goals to work on through the year.  We have previously had goals such as; eating healthier or exercising more.  Nothing really had limitations or expectations, just to be better than what you were before.  With the end of this month and the beginning of July came a new goal: build and strengthen my relationships!

This one particularly caught my attention.  I studied marriage and family relationships in college and find them to be particularly important (although I have not had the best of experiences with some of those particular relationships).  On the flyer that we were sent (DMBA-Living Healthy Wellness Program), they have some keys to healthy relationships. 

·         Communication- I think this may be the most difficult but the most important.  Relationships are formed because of intimacy with the person (not just physical but emotional as well).  We have to share our thoughts and feelings and hear others to build this trust and therefore building the relationship.  Think about those that you communicate the most with; they are probably considered your closest friends and confidants.  It is because you have a relationship that was built and is being built through communication. 

·         Forgiveness- Without this, we would get nowhere!  We are human.  We will make mistakes.  We will say stupid things.  We may not mean to (or maybe we do) but it is important to remember that those around us are also human and will also make mistakes and be dumb.  Take the higher road and make the effort to forgive and get over those words or actions.  In the grand scheme of things, it probably isn’t worth the relationship.

·         Respect- If one person demeans the other, the relationship is not healthy.  No matter the relationship, we need to take the time to listen and encourage them.  Respect is something that everyone deserves to have.  No one should take that from anyone.

·         Honesty- Have you ever had a relationship where you were not able to be honest with them?  Just as I write that I think of it as lying.  We need not be harsh or critical, but we do need to be able to build on the relationship by being honest and open in all our dealings.  I honestly don’t believe that a relationship can be a very good one without honestly…

Some things that it talks about that will ruin a relationship are: demanding your own way, talking about self all the time, being emotionally needy, always having to be right, lying or being condescending. 

Analyze your relationships; your actions and the way you conduct yourselves.  Relationships are one thing that can always be better.  When we become stagnant in a relationship, it begins to digress.  Focus on the keys to a successful relationship and see how your life improves and happiness becomes more abundant!