How to Solve Relationship Problems

Relationship problems with your spouse, family, co-workers, or friends affect your personal growth, success and well being. If you value relationships, you need to make good choices and be committed to make them work. I sincerely believe the following are actions you can take to start to build healthy relationships.

Steps

1. Understand each others personal values. Misunderstandings and conflicts happen when your values conflict with those of others and when expectations are not met. You can let others know what your values are by telling them. You can find out about others values by asking questions or observing their actions. Knowing what’s important to others and yourself will avoid unnecessary conflicts.

2. Learn to listen. All people want to be taken seriously and be appreciated. When you listen attentively without interrupting you are showing respect. Allow people to tell you; the books they have read, the things they did and how they feel. Listening will give you the opportunity to know their values and expectations.

3. Show kindness. You can Smile, it is the simplest act to show friendliness. Make others feel your warmth by offering help and kind words. Acknowledge their talents and achievements. Give praise and appreciate their efforts. Show it in your tone of voice, your posture and your actions.

4. Avoid arguments. Remove ego and pride. In arguments people want to prove a point using force, threats and intimidation causing resentment, no one actually wins or benefits. Step back and look at the situation from a different point of view. You are not submitting but altering the outcome by letting others see that you are committed to the relationship and "taking off the GLOVES" and trying to compromise. Forgive people they make mistakes. If you have made a mistake, admit it and apologize sincerely.

5. Give and take. Give what you are comfortable with and accept what other can give. Contribute your time and effort without unreasonable expectations in return. When you do good deeds for others, let that be it's own reward so that you don't build resentments.

6. Share your feelings. Ask for what you want and need. People can’t read your mind. Make your request with a smile be direct don't use "HINTS". Communicate and share your thoughts and feelings with them. Open up and allow them to understand you.

7. Develop trust. Trust is the foundation of healthy relationships. Keep your promises. Once people trust you, you can have a healthy relationship.

Tips

* Keep in mind the results you want.

* Remember it is better to be happy than to be right.

* Compromise on everything except your integrity.

* Relationships may come and go but your self respect is everlasting.

* Good relationships require effort but they are worth it.

* Just remember no-one is perfect.

* Read your partner's body actions and check how they are feeling - it should be both sides that need to listen and respect.