This report includes nine powerful tips and three actionable steps you can take right away. It also includes a list of suggested readings for those who are looking for even more information.
This article is from a Series
of 52 tips Report on the subject of self improvement. If you want to
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TOP TIPS
One
of the keys to a happy life is having fulfilling relationships. You want to
surround yourself with a close circle of people who inspire you to be a better
version of yourself. If you struggle to create close relationships, you aren't
alone. Many of us have plenty of acquaintances, but we don't know how to let
our guard down and develop these closer and more fulfilling relationships. If
this sounds like you, consider embracing the tips below.
1. Learn to Accept
Imperfection
Perfection
is a myth. You can't expect that all of your relationships will be perfect. It
would help if you accepted that there will be ups and downs. Realizing that no
one is perfect will help keep your relationship expectations in check.
2. CARPP
Consistency,
availability, reliability, responsiveness, and predictability. These are the
five elements that Dr. Amir Levine (psychiatrist) has identified as the
foundational elements of a secure relationship.
3. You Have to Show Up
If
you want to become closer to someone, you need to show up. Some of us struggle
with social situations, but we should still strive to show up to important
events in our loved ones' lives. This means the good AND the bad. You can't
just show up to celebrate; sometimes, you need to show up to help or support as
well.
4. Become a Better Listener
Do
you really listen to your friends, or are you just waiting for a chance to jump
in ad speak your piece? If you want a closer relationship, try listening to
your friends more. You want to hear what they are saying and show you
understand with either your body language or following up with thoughtful
questions. You never know what you might learn.
5. Show a Genuine Interest
Being
a better listener isn't enough on its own. You also need to show genuine,
sincere interest in the other person. You should be excited when they are
excited about something. You should genuinely enjoy spending time with them and
not be afraid to show it.
6. Relationships Require Trust
Trust
is paramount to any relationship. It is also a two-way street. You need to
trust your closest friends, and they need to be able to trust you. If trust is
ever broken, you need to take real steps (not just saying sorry) to fix it, or
else a close relationship will never develop.
7. Let Them Know You
Letting
your guard down can be tough for some people, but it's hard to have a close
relationship unless you do it. The more you let people into your life and allow
them to know the real you, the closer your relationship will be.
8. Talk Through Your
Differences
Communication
is another key aspect of any healthy relationship. You need to be able to talk
about things, even the tough subjects. Being able to disagree respectfully is
vital. Being able to give and take feedback is just as important.
9. Respect Their Boundaries
A
close relationship doesn't necessarily mean physically close. It also doesn't
mean you take up all of each other's time. A healthy relationship includes time
apart and healthy boundaries. You can't be a true friend if you don't respect
other people's boundaries.
FAST-ACTION STEPS
a) Reflect
on your relationships. Do you feel fulfilled? Which relationships are most
important to you?
b) Which
relationships do you want to develop? Try to pinpoint a person or two that
you'd like a closer connection with.
c) All
that is left to do is act. Please choose one of the above tips, and put it into
action today.
FURTHER
Affiliate links:
1. I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships:
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4. Work Better Together: How to Cultivate Strong Relationships
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5. The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There for Yourself and Your People
https://amzn.to/3xylppL
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