In my line of work as a Life Coach, I hear a lot about relationships. My clients want to know how to fix broken ones, sustain and grow good ones, and even how to attract them in the first place.
Relationships are a hot topic in the coaching world. At least with my clients they are.
Whether they be friends, family, or romantic partners, the quality of your relationships shape your life. Mutual caring and shared intentions can lift you up, while drama, lack of skill, and disrespect can make your days miserable.
You can’t necessarily change the people around you, but you can show up yourself in ways that honor your relationships and demonstrate how you want to be treated. When you set the bar, other people are more likely to live up to it.
So, here is what I suggest.
Be Yourself: You don’t want to be laying on your death bed surrounded by all the wrong people. And, the only way the right people who will love you for who you are will be able to find you is if you are authentically you. This can be scary. Real scary. Maybe one of the biggest risks you will ever take in your life. And yet, the risk is worth the blessings of a life filled with true love and friendship.
Be Fully Present – Put down the phone, stop watching TV and be with the ones you love. Really be with them. Give them the gift of looking them in the eye and listening deeply to what they have to say. Let them know they are a priority in your life. You may be surprised by all of the magical moments you experience that could have easily passed you by.
Keep Your Agreements – Seems obvious, doesn’t it? Yet, my clients talk about broken agreements all the time. Little agreements matter, too If you can’t keep one, let the other person know and renegotiate. It’s as simple as that.
Express Appreciation – In an earlier blog post I shared that I lost someone I loved without ever saying those three little words – I love you. I will always regret keeping those words to myself. Saying a simple thank you or letting the people in your life know how special they are to you is something that should happen daily. Believe me, you won’t regret it.
Practicing these principles will lead to relationships that honor everyone involved and that you will want to keep forever. It will be a blessing when you are in your final days to know that you are surrounded by the right people and that your relationships are rich with love and respect.
Don’t forget to leave a comment. I would love to hear what you have to say.
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There’s some great advice and tips here and as I’ve been single for a while now there’s some valuable information to take into a new relationship
Linda! You have so many great points written here. In the days of technology, it’s more true now then ever, be present for life and more important people! I enjoyed your post. Thank you.
Linda! You have so many great points written here. In the days of technology, it’s more true now then ever, be present for life and more important people! I enjoyed your post. Thank you.
So true! It’s rare to see people having conversations in places like restaurants these days.
Amazing tips to put into practice!!
Thanks. Glad you like them.
Do you find it ironic that all of these suggestions are also great ways to make your blog relevant and popular? 😉 After all, blogging is about relationships, right? This is a beautiful post and a great reminder to stay true to yourself and surround yourself with people who get you. Nicely done.
I hadn’t thought of that Jayleen, but it is true. It’s also about a way of being in the world, which can impact everything. Thanks for pointing out the blogging angle. It expanded my thoughts on this.
I have a 19-year-old in college and I literally told her today that she has to teach others how to deal with her. If she’s a leader, others will follow. Great advice and great post.
One of my coaching clients is a young college student who is sharing these principles with her friends. I hope they take them to heart.