6 keys to improve your interpersonal relationships

There are certain keys to improving your interpersonal relationships, which you can put into practice with the purpose of establishing healthier bonds. And as a guide published by the National University of Costa Rica emphasizes, Good relationships help to recognize oneself and build identity.

Furthermore, human beings need to relate to others due to their social nature; Likewise, these links must be developed within the framework of what is healthy. Based on this, this article shares a series of practical recommendations that improve the way you connect with others.

Keys to improve interpersonal relationships

Building healthy and meaningful relationships requires certain skills; It is not a matter that always comes easily. In order to benefit the quality of your interpersonal connections, we present some techniques that would help create more meaningful connections that last over time. We will detail them immediately.

1. Practice empathy

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes and understand how they feel. It is an essential ingredient to build or improve lasting interpersonal relationships. This ability contributes to emotional rapprochement with others and understanding their demands and concerns.

To practice empathy, it is important to actively listen and pay attention to facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Try to understand how the other person feels and not just what they say. Ask open-ended questions to get more information and show interest in what they tell you.

As a chapter of the book highlights Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (2015), when someone listens to you without judging and without trying to mold you, it feels good. This is what empathy is about.

2. Communicate effectively

Effective communication is the ability to convey thoughts and feelings clearly and directly, as well as understand those of others. With it you prevent misunderstandings and problems in your relationships.

You also communicate effectively when You speak in a calm tone and omit passive-aggressive communication. It is important to actively listen, ask questions to clear up any confusion, and pay attention to non-verbal communication.

3. Be assertive

Assertiveness consists of expressing your needs and opinions clearly and directly, without violating the rights of others. This is an ideal quality for establishing healthy boundaries in your relationships and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.

To be assertive, It is important to speak in the first person, focusing on your own feelings and needs, instead of blaming or criticizing. Likewise, it is helpful to practice effective communication techniques, such as “I” instead of “you,” nonviolent communication, and safe body language.

4. Learn to forgive

Forgiveness is an essential part of healthy relationships. Learning to forgive frees one from anger and resentment and helps build stronger and more representative bonds.

To learn to forgive, it is important to accept your own feelings and recognize the pain that the other person caused you. Then, Try to see things from the other’s perspective and seek to understand why they acted the way they did. The next thing is to choose forgiveness and let go of the pain and anger.

5. Apply conflict resolution collaboratively

Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship; the key to managing them is find solutions that meet the needs of both parties and are mutually acceptable, highlights the book The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work (1999).

Its author, John Gottman, emphasizes the importance of being flexible and willing to compromise to find a resolution that works for everyone.

6. Accept and celebrate differences

We are all different and such differences make us unique and special. Accepting and celebrating what distinguishes us from others is useful for improving interpersonal relationships.

In this scenario, it is essential to have an open mind and a willingness to learn. Try to understand and respect other people’s perspectives and experiences, even if you don’t share them. This advice involves recognizing and appreciating each person’s unique strengths and finding ways to work together to achieve common goals.

Improving interpersonal relationships takes time, but it is worth it

Healthy, meaningful relationships are critical to emotional and mental well-being. Nevertheless, Building these links is not easy. It is essential to know how to communicate to express what we think and our emotions; while listening to and understanding the perspectives of others.

Empathy, assertiveness, forgiveness and knowing how to solve problems, as well as accepting that others think differently, are essential for having strong and lasting interpersonal connections.

This benefits us and contributes positively to the quality of life of those around us. And it is that Yes, building and improving interpersonal relationships takes time, effort and dedication, but the results are invaluable.

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