FriendsOne of the most important things to me are my relationships, both personal or professional, and as many of us begin to make changes in our lives, these relationships become even more important, as we turn to family and friends for advice, support and love!
So here are a few tips to boost your relationships and feel the love grow...
Stay positive!
Even if you have had a "bad" day, or have difficult news to share, whenever you first meet/talk to someone, be upbeat!
Say, "Hi, I'm fantastic, thanks" or "Hi, life has never been better". This opener, will motivate your friend to listen and then support. Also, try putting difficult news, in between a warm hello, and a happy goodbye... this "chat sandwich" tastes far better to all involved.
Give them a hug!
Touch bonds people. A hug not only says you care but it has a lasting effect on your physiology. The hormone, Oxytocin, is released during a hug which decreases the risk of heart disease. A hug literal keeps your relationships alive!
Take time to think...
Having conversations with yourself, a bit like dreams, can prepare you for a future reality, event, meeting, change. Unlike dreams, you can control these internal dialogues, so keep them focused on your strengths, and what you want, rather than anything negative.
Looking inward and developing self awareness, courage, fairness, self-discipline and ultimately confidence, will create personal happiness that can be recognised by you, and shared with others.
Have a chin-wag every week
Recent research shows that people spend equal time on the Internet and texting their friends, as they do talking to them. Research also shows that your ability to have a "good" argument and manage the trivial day-to-day challenges in life, can reliably predict the length of your relationships. So what does this all mean... Well, I believe in phoning and meeting rather than texting and emailing.
Today is not tomorrow...
So even if you are not doing much on this list today, focus on the potential of these tips, and not your current habits. Why not start planning a joint party with friends for next summer now... Call someone who you've not seen for a while today... Arrange a coffee, even if it's for this 8 weeks time... Fix a conked out relationship, by wearing 'good friend' sunglasses instead of 'problem' goggles...
Add that extra one
Image a big shiny pot of good times, of golden relationship coins. If you keep on adding to this pot, and only taking out a part of what you put in, even if you take out 99 coins out of 100, sooner or later there will be an abundance of friendship gold, and something valued by all your relationships. Call it a win-win investment!
Go!
Coach Chris
PS Do let me know what works for you, so we can share the love :)
