In a relationship rut? These 5 things fix it.
Here’s the thing about relationship skills: They’re skills. We’re not born with them. We’re taught them. Most of us are taught them by people who are statistically more likely to be divorced than happily married: Our parents.
Luckily we’re never too old to learn something new. But to turn information into a habit takes practice. Daily practice. Below is a list of the 5 habits that will have the greatest positive impact on your relationships. All of them. You can practice these on everyone in your life (and you should). I suggest you pick 3 and put recurring reminders into your calendar for 30 days to practice them. Then again, I’m not a fan of information unless I take action on it.
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Take a socially distanced walk. Literally. Ten minutes a day, walk outside with anyone (ideally, someone you like).
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Catch ‘em doing something right. Then tell them.
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Set a daily intention. Don’t just wake up and throw yourself into your day. Take 60 seconds and decide the impact you want to have on someone’s life each day.
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Forgive. Then move on. Forgiveness is a choice. You haven’t truly forgiven if you hold a grudge or bring up history when you’re upset (history = something you’ve previously accepted an apology for).
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Take turns speaking. Don’t speak over or interrupt when someone’s speaking. I get it. I have ADHD. Impulse control is not one of my top strengths. Plus I’m Jewish and Spanish. And a New Yorker. It takes discipline to wait for your turn. That’s why I want you to practice daily for 30 days.