Recipes for Building Lasting Relationships.

In an extension of our discussion on Networking, here’s another important factor for enjoying speed and accelerated growth in business and career: 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀.⁣

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A relationship is the way two or more people are connected, or the way they behave toward each other.⁣

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Unfortunately, most people are of the opinion that they do not need anyone to succeed in life, except God (Well, God uses people, majority of the times – this is a topic for another day).⁣

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Some simply lack 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 and so they struggle while trying to connect with those who can assist them.⁣

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Interpersonal skills are really important in having a better relationship at home and work. They aid effective communication – which is the lifeline of any relationship – with others, whether family, friends, colleagues, customers or clients.⁣

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Examples of interpersonal skills are⁣:

1. 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀; having a better understanding of yourself, likes and dislikes, will help you understand other people’s point of views which in turn will encourage⁣ a healthy and lasting relationship.

2. 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻; which includes verbal, nonverbal and listening skills. ⁣

3. 𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆; being able to understand and share the feelings of others.⁣

Relationships that stand the test of time don’t just happen. They take dedicated amount of time, energy and consistent work.⁣

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However, most people only want to enjoy the thrills of knowing someone without putting in the work to make the relationship better.⁣

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For those who are intentional about building a lasting relationship, here are some ways to achieve that:⁣

1. 𝗕𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰⁣

Be who you are & accept others as they are. It’s easy to create a false persona, especially online, but that is not the way to build a relationship.⁣

⁣2. 𝗕𝗲 𝗩𝘂𝗹𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲⁣

Being vulnerable is a way to be authentic. Sharing & supporting each other through difficult situations is a great bonding tool. But be careful: do this with a selected few.⁣

3. 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁⁣

Over time, it is pertinent to develop mutual respect. It is very essential for growing relationships. This will definitely take time, so be patient.⁣

4. 𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝗚𝗼 𝗼𝗳 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀⁣

Always go into relationships with an open mind, realistic expectations & never assume. If we have preconceived expectations of people, then we are setting ourselves up for disappointment.⁣

5. 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴⁣

When we help & inspire others with our experience & expertise, we are building the foundation for trust that underlies relationships that endure.⁣

Human beings are naturally social creatures – we crave friendship and positive interactions, just as we do food and water. We desire Relationship, whether at work, home, or school.

Let’s sustain and nurture these relationships by trusting, being open, forgiving, and communicating.