While all relationships are unique, there are some commonalities and behaviors that will improve relationships. These relationship tips are not new concepts but sometimes, the most simple and obvious items seem to be the most difficult to master.
We’ve compiled our list of relationship Do’s and Don’ts that help bring you a lasting, healthy relationship. Remember: Always use these relationship tips in moderation.
Improve your relationships At Work
- Do not walk away from a discussion
- Forgive faults and move on (don’t hold grudges )
- Practice awareness of your own emotions
- Regulate negative feelings and reactions
- Learn to pick your battles
- Don’t “hit below the belt” during a heated argument
- Learn to communicate feelings without judgment
- Avoid feeling defensive
- Steer clear of blaming
- Apologize when at fault
- Learn to differentiate reminding from nagging
- Choose carefully when to give advice
- Learn from past arguments
- Don’t make promises you can’t keep
- Do not avoid conflicts
- Follow through with commitments
- Be patient—change doesn’t happen overnight
- Maintain eye contact
- Be open to possibilities and opportunities
- Maintain good communication
- Work on your verbal and non-verbal communication skills
At Home
- Maintain positive views about your loved ones
- Give and ask for feedback
- Plan a vacation
- Set realistic expectations
- Give a compliment on a daily basis
- Show appreciation, particularly for small things
- Consistently make time for friends and family
- Respect people’s privacy
- Be transparent and avoid withholding key details
- Share internal experiences
- Show your affection
- Don’t break confidentiality
- Don’t try to change any individual
- Change for self-improvement, not to suit someone’s preferences
- On emotional baggage: Don’t hold your past against anyone
- Resolve small issues before they blow out of proportion
- Don’t take your relationships for granted
- Maintain a healthy sex life
- Talk about sex and express your desires to your partner
- Consider others’ needs without sacrificing yours
- Share your personal your dreams and passions
- Be supportive of your loved ones’ dreams even when you don’t share the same interest
- Motivate others to pursue a goal
- Utilize active listening
- Stay updated with activities that your loved ones are currently engaged in
- Remember and pay attention to details about loved ones’ lives
- Be present and enjoy every moment
- Acknowledge people’s points and try to understand where they are coming from
- Understand your own insecurities and take a step to change them
Improve your relationships with Your Social Circles
- Look for common interests with people around you
- Compromise
- Give others personal space if they need it
- Dress up for special occasions
- Celebrate simple victories and milestones
- Spend quality time with important people in your life
- Manage your insecurities and jealousy
- Be consistent—treat your loved ones as if it were your last day with them
- Develop a sense of security—make each other feel safe
- Make an effort to get to know people
- Be playful and engaging and improve relationships
- Maintain healthy social relationships
- Make time for your social life despite your busy work schedule
- Sustain your current connections through a simple text or a phone call
- Keep away from toxic friends or encounters
- Volunteer for a cause you care about
- Attend networking events and social gatherings
- Host an event or invite people out
- Reconnect with old friends or colleagues
- Recognize differences in beliefs and preferences
- Practice self-compassion
Self-check
- Speak up for yourself
- Strengthen self-confidence
- Build your self-esteem
- Take a break from the daily work and home routine for genuine “me-time”
- Set your physical and emotional boundaries
- Pursue what makes you happy and excited
- Don’t rely on others for your own happiness
- Maintain a self-care regimen
- Develop self-love
- Laugh and smile more
- Avoid dismissive non-verbal cues (e.g. rolling your eyes)
- Send a thoughtful message to people you care for
- Be careful with what you share online
- Avoid emotional build-ups
- Maintain a positive attitude
- Set a time to disconnect from your phone and other gadgets
- Say hello to everyone that you come in contact with
- Be independent
- Pay attention
- Be reliable
- Stay fit and healthy
- Maintain your own hobbies
- Always keep your sense of humor
- Educate yourself
- Have an interesting lifestyle
- Know your own imperfections and accept them
- Face your own insecurities
- Release anger in a healthy way i.e. through sports or other physical activities
- Find a way to relax your mind and body
- Set goals for yourself and follow through
This list of how to improve relationships tips but it is not a rule book. Overall, it is a comprehensive guide to help maintain meaningful relationships with people you care about. Thread carefully, then take what applies to your unique situation. Work your way towards a healthier, more satisfying connections and creating attraction.
