We are social beings who thrive on healthy relationships. Understanding how to maximize the positive relationships and minimize the negative relationships is one of the keys to living a happy and fulfilling life.
Positive relationships improve our overall well-being
Over the year’s studies have shown that people with more social support are happier, healthier and live longer. The physical presence of family and friends lowers our blood pressure, and having more relationships makes us more resistant to catching the common cold. Moreover, social connection has been linked to lower mortality rates. If we’ve got more social connections, we’re more likely to stay alive and kicking.
Positive relationships provide us support during tough times.
We all have our agonizing moments, it could be work-related, health-related, or family-related. These are the tough times where we need a supportive network of people to help us weather painful moments, they are the ones who can help us laugh a little harder, cry a little lesser and smile a lot more than usual.
Positive relationships produce 1+1=3 results.
It enables us to collaborate and co-create better solutions. The more we get along with someone, the better we are at collaborating and creating successful change. Human relationships thrive when individuals can combine their skills and talents, thoughts and perspectives, and effectively create something greater than the normal equation.
How do we build positive relationships?
Using E.A.R for building positive relationships.
E – Empathy
Empathy is the experience of understanding another person's thoughts, feelings, and needs from his/her point of view, rather than from one's personal view. It is a state of perceiving and relating to another person without blaming, giving advice, or trying to fix the situation.
A – Active listening
Active listening happens when we are genuinely interested in understanding what the other person is conveying. It involves paying attention, paraphrasing message, reflecting it back to the speaker for verification before responding with our own message. This “checking in” process is what distinguishes active listening and makes it valuable.
R – Respond appropriately
Sometimes it is not necessary to say very much at all in response. For example, when someone is telling us about their distresses, they probably just want us to listen in a way that shows them we care. We can respond by nodding our heads and acknowledging their pains.
Last of all, having positive relationships with family, friends and co-workers add different flavours to our lives and make our lives more satisfying. Having said that, even before we begin to develop positive relationships with others, we need to make sure that we are having a healthy relationship with ourselves.
Have a read of what our friends have to share from the talk on Building Positive Relationships!
“The talk was interesting and interactive. It helps individuals to reflect on the way we communicate with people. Additionally, I picked up some tips that I can bring to my workplace.” Shillina Phua, Wellness Instructor
“It provided me with guidance to build a positive relationship and how to bring about and create a long-lasting relationship.” Tan Zhi Ling, Babysitter
“Blythe is very friendly and full of knowledge. I believe that there is more that she can share with us if the session is longer.” Kasey Ang, Care Companion
Did this article resonate with what you are experiencing as a caregiver? Would you like to gain valuable insights from experts on how to manage what you're going through? The chance is here! We have partnered with the Association of Psychotherapists and Counselors Singapore (APACS) to conduct a lunchtime talk on What is Your Personality?, as well as a group counseling session on Babysitting. As both events are fully sponsored by CaregiverAsia, seats are limited. Reserve your seat by clicking the button below!
