Healthy interpersonal relationships are important. Having lasting relationships that stand the test of time don’t happen by accident. It takes effort to stay in relationship with people. We all know people who are easy to be around with positive energy and pleasing personalities. Some people just have strong social skills and seem to know exactly what to say and how to behave under all types of circumstances.
Being intentional with relationships can help them grow and withstand the inevitable ups and downs of life. There are a lot of skills that contribute to healthy interpersonal relationships, three at the top of the list are-
- Possessing confidence
- Being a great listener
And
- Mastery of non-verbal communication
Confident people are easy to be in relationship with- Confident people tend to have healthier relationships that last a long time. Confident people know who they are and what they want. They don’t sweat the small stuff and they generally don’t suffer from anxieties and insecurities that can erode relationships. Being in relationship with confident people can make life easy and fun…as it should be! Confident people can celebrate someone’s win without feeling inadequate or jealous and they can set aside their own needs for someone who needs support.
Great listeners tend to have solid relationships- Great listeners have an innate ability to give their undivided attention to whomever they are engaging. Feeling heard and understood is a chief desire for most people. Great listeners use techniques that encourage high-quality conversation and reciprocity. Speaking with a great listener is refreshing and draws people closer together. Great listeners ask high-quality questions and seek to understand without making assumptions. Being in a conversation with a great listener can be very satisfying and rewarding.
Non-verbal communication speaks louder than words- Non-verbal communication makes up the majority of what is being said between two people…without using words.
People with excellent non-verbal communication skills bring out the best in relationships by subliminally giving cues that engage and draw people in. Even the act of looking someone in the eye when they speak can deepen connection. Nodding in agreement can create a bond when someone is sharing their thoughts. Lightly touching someone’s shoulder can build trust and indicate empathy which enriches relationships.
Building lasting relationships takes work and some people have gifts that make it easier. Confidence, listening well, and using positive non-verbal communication are all strengths that people with successful long-term relationships seem to have. These strengths can be innate or cultivated and developed over time. Anyone can create the skill sets needed to have long lasting relationships.
