Six Simple Tips for Maintaining Meaningful Relationships

With the advent of technology, some may argue that keeping up with relationships is more effortless. Especially compared to the earlier years, technology has allowed for accessible communication between our loved ones and us. However, over the years, you may have formed several relationships, but how many meaningful ones have you maintained? Research reveals that about 47% of Americans attach importance to spending time with loved ones in order to keep meaningful relationships thriving.

Here are six deceptively simple tips to help you maintain and nourish the meaningful relationships in your life.

One – Learn to be a better listener

Surprisingly for a lot of people, listening and understanding can be quite challenging. There is a difference between hearing someone and listening to them. Hearing someone is simply the act of perceiving sound through your ears. Listening requires concentration to analyze and process the information being spoken to you. Not listening to understand what is being said may have impacted many of your relationships negatively. However, by making a deliberate attempt to listen to your loved ones, you can understand them. Doing this would also improve upon your relationship and keep it going for an extended period.

Two – Reflect on past relationships

Your past relationships may hold a vast amount of relevant information on how to maintain meaningful relationships. You may have realized that previous relationships lacked vital elements. When you take the time to reflect on such associations, you teach yourself to nurture current ones and avoid repeating past mistakes. While doing this, you should also accept that not all your relationships you form may stand the test of time. Once you understand this, let go of relationships you think are unhealthy. In reflecting, remember not to beat yourself about your past mistakes; instead, learn from them.

Three – Be proactive to nourish your relationships

Whenever you realize someone close to you needs help, be the first person to offer assistance. Instead of waiting for them to ask for it, your ability to recognize their need for assistance is a mark of a proactive trait. For example, if a friend or relative is moving houses and you have foreknowledge of it, offer help. Your body may ache for hours after that, but the feeling of contentment is one you would not exchange for another. On the other hand, it may be a loved one’s birthday or anniversary. In that case, arrange a flower delivery to surprise the loved one. Taking the time to offer assistance, a solution, or support is always vital in keeping a meaningful relationship.

Four – Be clear about what you want and need in a relationship

Nobody wishes to feel disappointed continuously in their interactions and relationships with others. Perhaps, you think the people around you do not make an effort to understand you, or you feel unappreciated. Take a step back to do a little self-assessment; has it occurred to you that feeling of discontentment may be stemming from your inability to express yourself? Instead of bottling up these thoughts and emotions, express them. In every relationship, effective communication is key to all parties involved. Without specifying what you want or need, your loved ones may not be able to give you what you are looking for- which means you will be disappointed yet again. Even if this feels uncomfortable, be honest with your emotions.

Five – Recognize personal drawbacks

Several character traits are detrimental to relationships with others. For example, harboring unrealistic expectations, being negative-minded, and being self-centered are major put-offs. Stockpiling injurious emotions such as anger and heartache will flow over into your other relationships. It would help if you also accepted that attempting to change others to suit your personal needs is wrong. If these tendencies are in your domain, you cannot maintain any meaningful relationship. At this point, you may need professional help to deal with yourself first.

Six – Never be judgmental of others

Avoid thinking that others who differ in their opinions, behaviors, or even race, are beneath you. The fact that they are different doesn’t mean you should become disapproving, patronizing, or condescending. A better way to handle such situations is to dig deeper into understanding their varied views. You just may be amazed to discover the truth behind their ‘opposing’ beliefs.

Human beings thrive on mutual and meaningful relationships to feel connected and loved.

As you get older, the hustle and bustle of modern life make it challenging to keep up with various relationships making it easy to lose touch or lose those relationships. However, it would help if you accepted that a successful relationship with partners, friends, and family positively affect your mental health. After all, relationships thrive when nourished.

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