The only way to nurture your relationship is through strong connections. To make long-term relationships work, you need to take the time to build real connection.
Build your relationships so that they are reciprocal. If they're one way, it will never work.
I know I've written about this concept before, but I keep hearing the same advice from readers and friends. I want to give you a fresh update on how to use the tools you already have to build stronger relationships.
To build real connections, you must understand your own behavior and others. You can't expect people to be invested in you if you don't invest in them first.
STEP 1: Understand Your Own Behavior
When you build stronger relationships, you'll also increase your self-awareness. If you understand what's causing you to be needy, clingy, etc., then you can create a healthier response.
It's impossible to build authentic relationships when we're living in fear of hurting people. We must find our way out of this cycle.
STEP 2: Understand Others' Behavior
In addition to understanding ourselves, we must understand others. Our relationships will only improve if we have empathy for others' needs.
To improve your relationships, try building empathy by asking yourself:
What has made me upset? What did I do wrong? What would you want me to do instead?
What was the best thing that I did?
What are you worried about right now? What would you want to tell me?
STEP 3: Become a Mentor, Not a Friend
You might be confused at first because you're not used to putting this kind of time into someone else. But once you begin building genuine relationships, you'll soon realize how great they are.
It takes more effort to build long-term relationships than short-lived ones. This goes beyond just talking to someone. It also includes investing in someone by spending time with them and being invested in them in return.
You'll find that people who are looking for more connections in their lives are usually just waiting for someone to reach out. Don't assume that you don't have something to offer, just because they don't reach out to you first.
Thanks for reading!
Very good advice