Ever wondered why some relationships sizzle while others fizzle? It’s often the little things that make or break them.
In fact, there are some telling signs that a relationship is going south by simply looking at how often these simple acts are practiced between both parties.
They’re often overlooked, but ignoring these can be deciding factors between having a healthy relationship or leaving you scrolling through old photos with regret.
1. The Power of Listening
Listening is not just pausing while someone else talks. It’s about intentions.
The intention to understand, empathize, and show you truly care. Yet, it’s surprising how often we forget to genuinely listen, instead, caught up in our eagerness to express our thoughts.
Here’s how you can challenge yourself to be a better listener: Listen actively by reflecting on what’s being said. Understand and feel the other person’s emotions by asking clarifying questions and showing empathy. This makes the other person feel valued and understood, creating an unspoken bond that words can’t describe.
You know that feeling where you feel someone just understands you? That’s one of the things that make a relationship special.
Challenge yourself to become a better listener. Not only will your relationships thrive, but your perspective on the world might just broaden along with it.
2. Expressing Gratitude
How often do you thank the people you care about for simply being themselves? These people often bring you joy without any actions; their existence is enough to make your day. Yet, we don’t usually acknowledge that to the other person.
“Thank you for being a part of my life.” Imagine if someone said that to you, what a lovely compliment to know my existence made someone’s day.
Gratitude is understated yet extremely powerful. It helps to reaffirm the connection you have and nurtures a sense of appreciation between you and those around you.
According to experts, even a simple ‘thank you’ can significantly boost feelings of happiness and emotional well-being. So, make it a habit to express gratitude regularly!
3. The Little Things Matter
Everyone loves a big gesture of appreciation, but it’s often the little things that resonate the most. Whether it’s a surprise note, an unexpected hug, or remembering a small detail about someone’s life, these acts keep relationships alive!
Think about a special moment you shared with someone you care about, something unique to the both of you, a mutual understanding that brings you together in this life. Work on that and find more ways to discover these little things.
Even if it’s a simple gesture like making coffee for your partner because that’s how you met at first. It can certainly brighten their day. It’s these small yet consistent actions that weave the fabric of meaningful relationships.
4. Communicating Clearly
Clear communication is often the remedy to any struggling relationship. Say what you mean, and mean what you say. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary.
If not, misunderstandings, assumptions, unspoken expectations, and often gossips happen from poor communication. These are all things that have the potential to ruin a relationship!
Pro tip: Use ‘I’ statements to express feelings without blaming. For example, ‘I feel upset when…’ rather than ‘You never…’. This approach opens up a dialogue rather than casting blame to the other person. It invites the other person to feel empathy, and both of you can truly open up about how you feel.
Practice mindful communication and you might just find that voicing your thoughts can strengthen your relationships more than you ever thought possible.
5. Sharing Experiences
Sharing experiences is like adding bricks to the wall of relationships—each one contributes to the foundation of it. Be it travelling together or discovering new hobbies, shared experiences create unique lasting memories.
Research has also shown that shared activities increase bonding hormones and enhance emotional connection. So, look for new experiences to share with the people you care about. Call that friend to invite them to the cooking class you’ve been wanting to attend!
6. Being Present
In the age of mobile phones and social media, being present is a gift to give and receive. Phones buzzing, notifications pinging—these constant distractions pull us away from truly connecting with those in front of us.
Being present means fully engaging with the person you’re with. Put the phone down, look them in the eyes, and show you’re invested in the moment. Arrange more face-to-face interactions if possible.
Anyone will appreciate being thought of and reached out to to hang out in person. Being present with them shows even more appreciation for the person and the time you spend with them.
Offer your full attention whenever you can. It’s more rewarding than any Facebook notification, guaranteed.
7. Building Trust
Trust is the foundation of any relationship. Without it, relationships struggle to find solid ground.
Building trust takes time, and it starts with being honest and keeping promises. Keep true to your words; be honest when things go wrong. Fulfil your promises as best as you can, let them know when things don’t work out.
Admitting you were wrong also helps to build trust. Let your ego down and show them you’re committed to have an egoless relationship.
Don’t let the lack of trust create cracks in your relationship walls. Remember, a promise kept is a relationship strengthened.
8. Embracing Vulnerability
True connection requires opening up and letting others see the real you. Yes, that includes the ugly side of thinigs too.
Brené Brown who studies human connections, reminds us that vulnerability is the birthplace of love and belonging. Embrace it, share your feelings, and don’t shy away from showing your true self. People connect better when barriers are lowered.
If you’re ever hesitant to express a vulnerable moment, remember that it’s the gateway to deeper connections.
9. Offering Forgiveness
Holding grudges is equivalent to carrying a backpack full of stones. It slows you down, makes you tired, and drains your energy. By forgiving, it frees the forgiven and lightens your backpack as well.
Letting go is easier said than done. But remember: it’s the past, not the person that you’re releasing. Make space in your relationships for forgiveness to thrive. If you forgive someone, you also forgive yourself, and that helps you grow.
10. Taking Initiative
I’ve always had the worry of being too nosy by being the first to to make the first move. Along the years, I’ve learned that part of a healthy relationship is taking initiative, whether it’s planning dates, resolving conflicts, or simply checking in when things feel off.
Showing initiative shows you care enough to put in the effort. Next time you’re considering whether to make the first move, remember: love loves action! And if they don’t reciprocate, just know that maybe your time is better spent with someone else!