9 Simple Tips for Better Relationship Building

Relationships are an essential part of our lives – at work, in our communities, within our families, and in our personal and emotional attachments. However, building and maintaining relationships can be challenging. While several resources talk about improving relationships, they can be difficult to recall and apply in practice. Below are some simple and practical tips to help you deal with relationships.

## Accept People as they are

Assuming people are broken, flawed, or need fixing is not an ideal way to start a relationship. Instead, begin by reflecting on yourself to gain a better understanding of how you deal with others. Accept yourself and the other person for who and what you both are. This acceptance will help create a better foundation for any relationship.

## Stop trying to change others

You can’t change people, but you can change yourself. Instead of trying to change someone to suit your beliefs or expectations, focus on yourself. Be willing to transform into a better, more accepting version of yourself, so that others can find what they need in you, resulting in a positive and fulfilling relationship.

## Accept responsibility

Assume that any difficulties or conflicts with others are your responsibility. You cannot control other people’s lives, but you can control yours. Instead of trying to control others, focus on what you can control and put it right. If the relationship does not improve, at least, you learned something for the next time.

## Be willing to help

Most people look to others for help. Along the way, they may be able to assist you in turn. Remember, relationship building is a two-way street. Be willing to provide assistance or guidance whenever possible. However, it’s essential to understand that everyone has limits, and demanding things from others that they are unwilling to give only leads to unhappiness.

## Relationships should flow, not force

Maintain an easy flow when communicating with others. If you make it challenging for others to relate to you, it’s no surprise when they look elsewhere. No matter how knowledgeable, clever, or well-connected you are, people are not forced to engage with you beyond surface greetings. There are always other people, some of them richer, brighter, and sexier than you.

## Give up on striving for a perfect relationship

It’s impossible to find a perfect relationship. Life and relationships are imperfect by definition. Accept what you have, enjoy it, and avoid envisioning what could have been; it’s a surefire way to ruin it.

## Take the initiative

Meet people where they are; don’t wait for them to come to you. Although it may not always be convenient, making the first move leads to valuable and meaningful connections.

## Accept diversity

Prejudice is like finding a ruby and discarding it because it’s not a diamond. Embrace diversity, and it will lead to a more enjoyable, fruitful relationship. Acceptance is natural, and prejudice is a learned behavior.

## Give what you expect in return

When it comes to compassion, consideration, forgiveness, and trust, you get what you give. Avoid keeping score, and instead, aim to give what you expect in return. There will always be people who give more than they get – be grateful for those few.

In conclusion, relationships are not always easy, but making a conscious effort to apply these nine suggestions can significantly improve them. Building better relationships takes practice and patience; It’s not an overnight event. However, it’s an important aspect of life that we should all prioritize.