There are two things that separate us from our grandparents’ generation: This means we have more barriers to overcome when it comes to developing real connections with real human beings. But it also means we’re up for the challenge. The Society for Personality and Social Psychology says meaningful relationships help you
thrive. In fact, meaningful relationships pose a number of benefits: improved mental health, decreased mortality rates, better perceived well-being, higher self-confidence, broader perspectives and understanding, increased resilience — the list goes on. Upon reviewing the data gathered by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Medical Daily goes so far as to call developing meaningful relationships “the healthiest thing you’ll do” during the duration of your life. So why don’t we do more of it? And why does it often seem so hard to do? Our Barriers to Connecting with OthersFinding and maintaining these crucial connections with others is becoming more challenging for two reasons:
Today’s youngest generation may struggle even more since they’ve been exposed to the distraction of electronics since infancy. Their brains crave distraction, making it nearly impossible to focus enough to listen to and engage with their peers. Other barriers to connection are internal: low self-esteem, history of traumatic relationships, depression, social anxiety, and other psychological challenges can all make connection difficult (but not impossible). To build a meaningful relationship, you have to care about it, commit to it, and then hold yourself accountable to that commitment. It’s not effortless — but it is worth the effort. What Does It Mean to Fully Connect?It’s much more than simply conversing or sharing common interests. Here are some examples of authentic connection between human beings, adapted from those described by Harley Therapy:
How can you be sure you’re connecting with others? Here are some signs you can look for:
Skills for Building Meaningful RelationshipsThose who are best able to build meaningful relationships with others possess common skills: they’re great listeners, they’re comfortable expressing themselves, they forgive easily, they’re present in the moment, they freely give compliments, they apologize when they’re wrong, and they show kindness and compassion. All these skills can be developed. Nobody is inherently and permanently bad at being a friend. You may have learned some unhealthy behaviors or put up defense mechanisms over time, but it’s not too late to unlearn these things. And it’s never too late to improve. Let’s talk about what these relationship-building skills look like and how you can practice them. 1. ListeningActive listening means:
Practice active listening by turning off your monitor when someone enters your office to talk, ignoring notifications during dinner with your family, and responding to demonstrate engagement. The key here is to be actively involved in the conversation and to remove all distractions. 2. Self-ExpressionSelf-expression becomes more comfortable with self-confidence. You can build confidence in yourself by speaking words of affirmation (“I am talented. I am smart. I am beautiful. I am strong.”) and journaling at the beginning and end of each day. Confidence often continues to grow as affirming connections are built, too. 3. ForgivenessNobody is perfect, and no friendship is perfect, either. That’s why forgiveness is important in developing relationships. Misunderstandings and plain mistakes can threaten even the most meaningful friendships if you can’t forgive those you care about. Developing the ability to forgive comes with emotional intelligence: recognizing how you feel, recognizing the emotions that may have led to the transgression, and then coping with those emotions in a healthy way can allow you to truly forgive and move forward. 4. PresenceWhen you’re present, you’re entirely focused on the discussion or person in front of you. You’re not browsing social media, worrying about tomorrow, or dwelling on the past. If you find your mind straying, recognize it and bring it back to the present. Real presence takes practice. Ask yourself often, “Am I present in the moment?” and redirect your thoughts to the person or people you’re with until it becomes more comfortable. Other Important SkillsKindness, compassion, and the ability to make others feel important are also valuable relationship-building traits. And these don’t take much practice — just intention. Treat others with the utmost respect, even when they aren’t in the room. Refrain from gossip. Give out compliments freely and criticism rarely. Apologize when you’re wrong. Resources to Help You Along the WayI’ve compiled some great resources to help you start your journey toward more meaningful relationships — and all of the benefits that come with them:
And if you need help getting started, either download our free eBook or purchase a hardcover Happier Mind Journal with a 20% WLC discount. Use promotional code WLC20 at checkout.
Matt Mignona has always been the type of person to see each day as a blank page, ready for writing the grandest adventures and keeping a record of the human journey. After spending many years training as a world-class athlete, Matt shifted his focus to accommodate changing life goals. He started a family and began to take glimpses of the world from a different perspective. His biggest commitment outside of his family has been personal growth and development. Matt spent years developing various tools and methods that he could apply not only to himself but suggest to others as paving stones on the pathway to self-development. That is how Matt came to develop one of his greatest ideas yet, the Happier Mind Journal. He is the founder and author of this ninety-day journal that has helped thousands of people to become the best version of themselves. It uses inspirational prompts to promote happiness through the powers of gratitude, mindfulness, and positivity. However, as someone who wakes at 3:00am each morning to devote to his own personal development, it’s safe to say there’s more to come yet from this high energy, optimistic go-getter. What does a meaningful relationship with others mean to you?Meaningful relationships are those that are deemed significant and include mutual respect, trust, interest, positive regard and making the other person feel valued. The key to making these relationships grow involves building on elements of honesty and finding commonalities to help create that lasting foundation.
Which statement describes the relationship among physical mental emotional and social health quizlet?Which statement describes the relationship among physical, mental, emotional, and social health? Physical, mental, emotional, and social health are interrelated with one another.
What is the importance of having a meaningful relationship with others?Meaningful relationships provide the opportunity for three key benefits: exchange of support, social engagement and sense of worth—all major pillars for a foundation of healthy aging. Your social network forms the platform for valuable personal support and opportunities for social interaction.
What can friends provide to affect mental health positively?It can be a relief to speak about how you're feeling. A good friend can give us advice on what's on our mind and offer any support we need. Friends can also provide a distraction; a good laugh with friends can not only boost our mood, but release endorphins (feel-good hormones) into our bodies.
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