10 Small Steps to Improving Any Relationship

Are you struggling to get along with someone close to you? A difficult relationship--whether it's with a life partner, friend, or co-worker--can do more than frustrate you; it can harm your health and well-being. But don't be too quick to give up. There are ways to improve any relationship, and you don't have to go to great lengths to make things better. In fact, often it's the small steps that can help you turn a corner and reverse negative feelings. Try these ten tips to boost any relationship, and learn to enjoy rather than antagonize each other.

Devote Time to Conversation

Taking time to engage in meaningful conversation with another person can bring you closer together. Communication leads to increased trust and respect, goal achieving, and fulfillment. The key is to converse effectively; use supportive language, ask questions, and give each other equal air time.

Change Your Mindset

How you think about a relationship can have everything to do with its quality. A negative mindset will result in a relationship that suffers. Try altering how you perceive the other person. Instead of focusing on his or her flaws, concentrate on the traits you find admirable or endearing.

Write Down Your Troubles

Just getting things off your chest can be a huge relief and a way to refresh hope. Grab a journal and write down your feelings about the relationship. Often you will find a solution in the midst of your words. At least, you'll release tension and gain clarity to help you move forward.

Consider the Other Side

While people tend to think a difficult relationship is all the fault of the other person, rarely is that the case. Step back and look at yourself through his or her lens. Do you see any flaws? Could you be partly to blame? A new perspective can be revealing--and a starting point for change.

Apologize

Saying you're sorry goes a long way towards making things right in any relationship. An apology is one of the simplest and most effective gestures, yet often the hardest to make. Even if you don't feel sorry for the cause of the conflict, you can still express remorse that the relationship has soured.

Offer a gift

Studies have shown that giving does everything from lower blood pressure to decrease depression to enhance lifespan. Giving can also turn a frown into a smile and let the receiver know you care. You don't have to spend much, either. A simple favor can be a gift worth gold. 

Recruit a Third Party

Finding an objective party to help mend a broken relationship can be just what the two of you need--as long as you're both on-board. If a professional counselor is too big a step, consider asking a minister, unbiased co-worker, or another mutually agreed-upon middleman to help. 

Show Gratitude

An expression of gratitude doesn't just benefit the other person; you will feel a closer connection too, along with improved self-esteem, happiness, and renewed optimism. A heartfelt thank you note, a compliment, or even the act of making eye contact with the other person can do the trick. 

Consult Your Inner Spirit

Whether you're a religious person or not, consulting your inner spirit can help guide you through a difficult situation, including a bad relationship. Do some soul searching by practicing meditation or consulting your higher power. The experience will give you peace and a hopeful outlook.

Know When to Let Go

Hanging onto a relationship with a friend, romantic partner, or business associate for the wrong reasons will only get worse. Some aren't worth fixing. If it's abusive, financially crippling, or causing severe medical problems, it may be time to let go for the well-being of all.

Don't let a difficult relationship ruin your health and happiness. Take baby steps and find hope for a better, lasting partnership that can bring fulfillment to both of you. 

Jocelyn Aleiadih, LCSW

www.yourlifepathcenter.com