No matter how independent you may be, building healthy relationships with your immediate and extended family members, friends, and coworkers is still important. Research suggests that when we foster connections with those around us, it can:

• Improve our self-esteem
• Make us more cooperative, empathetic, and trusting
• Strengthen our immune systems
• Extend our lives
• Reduce our risk of developing anxiety and depression.

How to Build Healthy Relationships

Different types of relationships require different approaches. For instance, you should likely treat your coworkers differently than your immediate family members. With that said, taking the following steps may help you to nurture positive relationships with many people in your life:

• Use healthy communication skills, such as talking through issues (rather than letting them fester) and actively listening to the other person.
• Find ways to express that you appreciate the other person’s efforts.
• Follow through on your promises.
• Be sensitive to the other person’s emotions and treat them compassionately, especially when they’re going through a difficult time.
• Remain open-minded and avoid jumping to conclusions.
• Set aside time to spend with the other person free of distractions.
• When a problem arises, take responsibility for your role in it and sincerely apologize (and forgive the other person for whatever they may have done to contribute to the issue).

Start Improving Your Relationships

As noted above, having healthy relationships in your life is important, so if you need help fostering connections, contact me today. I’ll gladly tell you more about my practice, answer your questions, and schedule a therapy session.