Improving interpersonal relationships: With these tips it works
Created: 03/11/2022, 14:55
Friendships and partnerships need to be maintained.
© Rafael Fernandez Torres/Imago
Interpersonal relationships give strength and are important for our health.
Find out how to improve and strengthen your social relationships here.
Interpersonal relationships succeed above all with the right communication.
This includes proper listening.
Make time for your contacts and show your loved ones that you are thinking of them.
The basis for all interpersonal relationships is a good relationship with yourself.
Why are human relationships so important to us?
People who have close interpersonal relationships with their family, friends and partners are happier, more satisfied and live healthier lives.
This is proven by scientific studies.
A strong social network has a positive effect on the psyche and people become more resistant to stress and setbacks.
It's not about the quantity, it's about the quality of the relationships.
A few close friends* are therefore better than many superficial contacts.
Social relationships can be romantic, family, friendly, or business.
They all have one thing in common,
it is not always easy to get along with other people and to maintain a healthy and close relationship
.
But there are some tips that can help.
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Tip 1: See the good in others and improve relationships
Everyone has a bad day, and there are times in life when looking cheerful isn't the biggest concern.
But some people are unusually often in a bad mood and have negative energy.
This may be because they focus on the negative things.
What helps?
Consciously focus on the positive, especially in those around you.
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Everyone has qualities that are worth appreciating.
A colleague who constantly interrupts others may be particularly helpful.
And if you have a fight with your partner, it helps to remember their good qualities.
Observe yourself in conversations with others and question what you are currently focusing on.
Tip 2: Active listening for strong social relationships
Not every conversation is extremely interesting, but everyone wants to be noticed.
When we actively listen, we show the other person exactly that. Be careful not to just listen to respond with an answer.
Try to really understand your interlocutor.
If someone has a different opinion, don't block it immediately.
Consider why a person comes to their conclusion, for example through the prior experiences they have had.
Refrain from giving advice unless specifically asked for it
.
That quickly comes across as condescending.
With honestly meant questions, on the other hand, you show your counterpart that you are giving them your full attention.
Of course, active listening also means letting the other person finish speaking.
Tip 3: Give nice words for successful interpersonal communication
Everyone appreciates an honest compliment.
Most give far too little of it.
Encourage your friends, colleagues and partners as they set goals in life.
Show understanding for setbacks and give compliments.
These can relate to mundane things like your brother's new shoes.
Or you show your admiration for the perseverance of a friend who has been working on a project for months.
Read:
Midlife crisis - how to support your loved ones.
Tip 4: Maintain interpersonal relationships
Friendships and partnerships often develop spontaneously and don't feel like work at first.
But in order to maintain close interpersonal relationships, they must be nurtured.
Consciously take time for your partner in everyday life, make regular appointments with friends and visit your family.
Only those who spend time together can strengthen their interpersonal connection.
The little things also help
: note important birthdays in your calendar and congratulate your loved ones.
A call is more personal than a chat message.
Also, stay alert to what's happening in the lives of your social contacts.
If you know that one of your colleagues is going through a difficult time, ask how they are.
Also remember that social relationships are mutual: does a friend ask you out a lot more often than you do?
Then next time you become the initiator
.
If it doesn't work, talk to your friend about it.
Tip 5: Don't forget the most important relationship
The most important relationship in your life to be truly happy is with yourself. Many people don't work enough on their self-esteem.
But this is the basis for every other successful interpersonal relationship.
Reflect on how you talk and think about yourself
.
Many are much harder on themselves than they are on other people.
Think about it: would you be friends with someone who would tell you that you look too fat in jeans or that the next application will definitely be rejected again?
Be careful not to criticize yourself too harshly.
Praise yourself when you succeed and do yourself a favor every now and then.
This can be expensive chocolates or a long walk during the lunch break when the sun is shining.
Sources: www.habitgym.de/soziale-verbindungen-verbessern/; https://comme-un-pro.fr/de/ameliorer-communication-interpersonnelle-travail/; https://health-generation.com/interpersonal-relationships/
(Franziska Schlögl) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA.