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How to Build and Strengthen Relationships
By: Extension Professor Naomi Brower & Student Intern Audrey Garrett
Introduction
As human beings, we need relationships in our lives. We have a need to be connected to others, whether it be with family, friends, or a romantic partner. Studies in neuroscience have found “…this is what our brains were wired for: reaching out to and interacting with others” (Greater Good Science Center, 2020). Since we need to connect with others, it is important to know how to build and strengthen healthy relationships to meet that need. There are many ways to build and strengthen relationships, the list below provides a few ideas to start. While some ideas are targeted to strengthen marriages, these ideas can be easily adapted to other relationships.
Ideas to help build and strengthen a relationship:
- Focus on their needs. We live in a culture that tends to be “me” focused instead of “we” focused (Stanley, 2003). Focusing on the needs of others in the relationship will help strengthen it.
- Instead of looking at how to change others, look for ways you can improve your behavior. Consciously choosing to deviate from your normal way of thinking or acting may inspire change in others, but even if it doesn’t, it may help you to feel more positive about the situation. Provided below are additional resources you can reference. If you need further help, consider seeking out a caring professional for support.
Other suggestions include: being optimistic, maintaining a positive attitude, find ways to make others happy, be open and honest in the relationship, make efforts to connect often, and sacrificing to meet each other’s needs.
Conclusion
Just like building a house, building and strengthening a relationship is a process. It can’t be done all at once, so choose one or two things to focus on and build from there. Having good relationships is an important part of life, as a result strengthening the relationships that we have should be a priority. Provided below are additional resources. Additionally, a qualified and caring professional may be able to assist you in achieving your relationship goals.
Resources
- Be the change you wish to see in your relationship
- Keys to Happier Marriage Include Not Demanding Change From Your Spouse, Psychologists Say
- When You Want to Change Your Behavior