Find ways to be in a better Relationship partner in the New Year

“You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back.” ~ Barbara de Angelis

This is not war-paint

Relationships that lend value to our life are important for our overall well-being and happiness, and the quality of our role in these relationships is what matters most.

When a relationship hits a rough patch, we often look at the other person and emphasize all the things that are annoying as if those traits are at fault. The reality is we should be looking at our behaviors because that is all we can control…

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER PARTNER IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS:

1. LEAVE THE BAGGAGE BEHIND

We all have baggage. Whether it’s the expectations we bring with us from childhood or experiences from past relationships, baggage prevents us from realizing the true potential of our current relationships.

Everyone at one time or another has felt lonely, empty or inadequate. No matter what we have, something always seems to be missing. The way out is to get to know the real you. Become comfortable having a relationship with yourself first, and everything else will begin to take care of itself.

2. ARGUE FOR THE OTHER SIDE

When we get into a disagreement, it is usually because one person has one opinion, and the other has the opposite. When we argue our position, we look for evidence to support our point of view, and we keep looking until we feel we can “win.”

Imagine what would happen if you switched sides? Instead of gathering evidence to support your point of view, start gathering evidence to support the other side of the story.

It’s fair to say, that both sides of any argument will have valid points, and if you wanted to, you could argue either side. As you start to make the case for the opposite side, you can usually see that there is some validity to the opposing position. In fact, you will be amazed at how convincing you can be – so convincing that you might find yourself on a road that leads to the end of the argument altogether.

3. REACT LESS ACT MORE

In the midst of emotional situations, it is a natural reaction to over-react. It is easy to see when the other person is over-reacting. However, we are not as likely to recognize own over-reactions.

Our actions develop based on how we feel. And sometimes, we have big feelings which cause some big actions. Reacting less doesn’t mean ignoring or minimizing problems, just controlling our reaction to them. The key to reacting less is choosing to act based on how we want to feel, not how we feel.

4. STOP COMPLAINING, START EXCLAIMING

The average person complains between 15 and 30 times per day. That’s a lot of complaining, and almost everyone is guilty.  Of course, eliminating the need to complain is easier said than done. First you have to recognize and understand what you are complaining about.  Once you understand why you are complaining, you have two courses of action: You can accept the situation, or you can change it.

Once you’re ready to change what you were complaining about, start exclaiming what you are going to do about it – and follow through. When you repeat powerful positive mantras that train your brain to create thoughts, words, and ultimately actions, you’ll quickly bring about change in the areas you were once complaining about.

5. FIND FAVOR

The Benjamin Franklin Effect takes on the assumption that we do nice things for people we like and bad things to those we dislike. The psychology behind the effect, however, says the opposite, which is we grow to like people when we do nice things for them.

In a nutshell, asking, and receiving a favor generates good feelings on both sides. Want to eliminate negative feelings and establish good rapport? Don’t hesitate to ask them for a favor, and certainly don’t be afraid to provide one yourself.

6.  STOP SWEATING YOUR SMALL STUFF

Common advice for relationships is to “stop sweating the small stuff.” A little sweating of the small stuff in relationships can be a good thing – when it’s your least important issue. Whenever you feel stressed by silly issues, try dancing with your significant Other.

Of all the vices I have,
 dancing is the most addictive!