5 Tips to Build Healthy Relationships

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Relationships between humans, with all our messiness, requires effort. Whether it’s with family, friends, or co-workers, it just takes work. It will require a bunch of grit and a boatload of grace. There will be days you will think it’s just not worth it, and in some cases it may not be.

Yet, in the grand scheme of life, healthy relationships are indeed worth the effort they require. The treasure gained, life shared, and wisdom earned are wonderful byproducts gleaned from no other source. So here are a few things we can do to build those lasting relationships.

1. Listen. With the intention of hearing what they have to say, not listening to formulate our response.

2. Observe. Take the time to observe their likes, dislikes, needs, and wants. Making this effort makes birthday gifts a whole lot easier!

3. Participate. Make an effort to share their day-to-day life, walking alongside, working together, and projecting together.

4. Compromise. No one agrees on everything. There are very few hills worth dying on, so if the relationship is worth the effort, flex whenever possible.

5. Share. If you want to draw close to another you have to be willing to share your heart. (This is only after you learn if they can be trusted with it.)

A day will come when those friends, family members, and coworkers will stand by your side when you need them. They will be there for you as you have been for them. So take the steps and make the effort. You will be glad you did.

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Battered Faith: Holding on to Hope Even When You Struggle

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