With the expansion of social networks, relationships have increased in appearance, but in reality, it seems that with the emergence of new forms of communication and the formation of new relationships, the old relationships have become more strange. It is unlikely that you have not experienced the feeling that the people on the other side of the phone, even if they are miles away from you, are more intimate and closer than those who are of the same blood or housemates.
According to Forough: “The lights of a relationship are dark.” But you can take care of the light of the relationship so that it stays on and shines on life. In this article, we want to talk about improving relationships and refer to strategies for strengthening and improving relationships in the new year.
The importance of improving relationships in today’s life
When we talk about human relationships, we mean relationships in its general sense; Whether friendly or romantic. Before examining the strategies to strengthen relationships, let’s see what is the importance of improving relationships?
Life is affected by technology and social changes, and human relationships, which are the basic pillars of life, play a vital role in mental, physical and social health. Improving relationships can increase quality of life, reduce stress, and create feelings of happiness.
Positive relationships help reduce anxiety and depression and create a sense of security and resilience, while isolation can exacerbate psychological problems. Also, strong relationships contribute to physical health and strengthen the immune system. Social connections even have a positive effect on health behaviors such as healthy eating and exercise.
Effective communication skills, including active listening, expressing appreciation, resolving conflict with emotional intelligence, and respecting differences, play a key role in improving relationships. Mutual trust and respect, empathy, and social support are also important factors in strengthening relationships. Spending quality time with loved ones and admitting mistakes also helps improve relationships.
Ultimately, personal growth and the flexibility to face challenges and change lead to healthier relationships. Having a strong support network and respecting other people’s views are also essential elements of successful relationships.
7 strategies to strengthen relationships in the new year
In the previous section, we talked about the importance of human relationships. Human beings need relationships with other people. The need for human connection is an essential need, as is the need for shelter, sleep, and food. In the following, we review 7 strategies to strengthen relationships in the new year suggested by the New Yorker:
1. Renew friendships
You must have heard that it has been said for a long time that on the occasion of the new year, put aside the turbidity and resume friendships. However, be aware that if you have removed a toxic or harmful connection, you do not need to go back to it.
Maybe ask your colleague to join your next book club meeting. Or maybe invite a friend to go to a cafe or for a walk together. Doing new things can liven up your relationship. Spending time in different fields allows you to see different aspects of people’s personalities and in addition, strengthens different aspects of your own personality.
2. Do you have a romantic date? be careful
If you’re in the middle of a romantic date, you might recognize the red flags easily, but watch out for the yellow flags as well. In other words, watch for behaviors that indicate you should proceed with caution. For example, if a person thinks that all the people he has dealt with in his previous relationships were ignorant and crazy. If when you talk about communication with a person and the people around you have doubts with the knowledge they have of you or the other party.
3. Learn to love ‘my statements’
“I say” is a staple of talk therapy that couples counselors use time and time again to reduce finger-pointing between partners and encourage effective communication. Basic formula: “I feel X when Y happens,” usually accompanied by a statement of need. So, instead of saying something like, “You’re always looking at your phone at dinner!” You might say, “I feel lonely when you’re looking at your phone while you eat, and I need all of your attention at the dinner table.” I need your full attention at the table.
4. Remove this phrase from your vocabulary
We live in a society that has a phobia of sadness. In other words, the society is drowning in sadness. For this reason, in such a situation, it is better that we do not add to the sorrows. how about The least we can do is choose the right words.
Some phrases, especially a phrase like “everything happens for a reason,” inherently carry a kind of denial. The fact that we cannot recognize the grief, pain, and problems of the other party and consider ourselves as the common sense, harms the other party.
Psychologists believe that if a person is in a relationship with you and considers you his confidant so much that he comforts you and talks about his sorrows and sufferings, it is enough to sympathize with him. In such a situation, if you talk about your pains and sufferings, you have neither helped yourself nor the other party. What should be done? It is enough to tell the person that you are sorry or that you share his sorrow. It might not be bad to share happy memories together. However, remember that in such a difficult and sad situation, the warmth of your presence is much more effective than words.
5. Embrace the power of relational assessment
According to some couples therapists, as we grow older, most of us come to realize that no romantic relationship can give us everything we want or need. That’s why couples therapists recommend periodic checkups called “relationship evaluations.” Ask yourself, “Does this relationship make me feel good enough to be okay with sadness and depression?” After all, we have to admit that grieving and understanding each other’s limitations and human flaws is one of the most important parts of long-term intimacy.
6. Don’t let the sexual pleasure comparison bother you
Sex therapists and coaches spend a lot of time assuring people that there is no normal state of intimacy. People especially give up on relationships when they feel like their sex was ordinary and they have to go find a better one, or if it wasn’t there at all, another one will come along. However, it is better to be careful not to compare your relationship with others. The more important question is, how much are you enjoying the sex you are having?
7. Host to be happy
Late in life, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America’s most famous sex therapist, shifted her focus from the issue of couple intimacy to the crisis of loneliness.
He died at the age of 96. His last book was published after his death. In this book, Dr. Root presented one hundred effective lessons in improving human relationships. One of these lessons was:
Don’t keep track of how many times you’ve hosted or started planning a party. Take the first step and gather your loved ones around you. Because this will bring happiness to both you and the invitees. Don’t wait for others to invite you. are you alone Get to work yourself and start your own business.
New year and new relationships
New Year is a great opportunity to review and strengthen our human relations. Human relationships, one of the most important elements in our lives, have a significant impact on our mental and physical health. In the new year, we can improve our communication with others and experience a better social life by using scientific and practical solutions.
One of the most important factors in strengthening relationships is effective communication. Using communication skills such as active listening and expressing feelings in an honest and respectful manner can help reduce tensions and misunderstandings. Also, expressing gratitude and thanks to others shows valuing them and can increase the feeling of satisfaction and affection.
Trust and mutual respect are the most basic elements of any relationship. Without trust, relationships cannot develop properly and may lead to feelings of insecurity and dissatisfaction. Accepting differences and respecting others’ opinions and perspectives can help strengthen communication.
Also, spending time with friends and family, doing joint activities and maintaining privacy are among the strategies that can help strengthen human relationships. Accepting mistakes, flexibility and the ability to forgive can also prevent tensions and conflicts and help improve relationships.
Finally, empathy and social support are among the factors that can help strengthen human relationships. In the new year, by paying attention to these points and trying to improve ourselves and our relationships with others, we can have a better social life and feel more satisfied and happy. Do you have an experience or a memory about strengthening or maintaining your relationships? We will be happy if you tell us about it.
Source: nytimes
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