- Stop taking everything so personally. Not everything is about you. Sometimes other people are having a bad day or a bad decade, and they’re just taking out their unhappiness on you. Don’t let their problems become yours.
- Watch your words. Words have the power to heal or hurt. You knew this when you were a little kid in the playground. Contrary to the lyric poem, Sticks and Stones, you knew words could break you, if someone lashed out at you without mercy. Use your words to communicate in a kind, loving, and effective way.
- Learn to live and let live. Everyone has their own opinions and thoughts. Let it be. Not everyone has to like what you like. Agree to disagree, without being disagreeable about it.
- Really listen when others talk. Stop thinking about what you want to say next. Stop multitasking. Stop surfing the Internet, watching television, or doing whatever, and give others your undivided attention when they’re talking to you.
- Bring your sense of humor with you wherever you go. Sharing a laugh with others, and learning to make light of situations, can be a bonding experience for everyone.
You’ll be amazed how incorporating these five simple steps into your everyday way of interacting with others will make all your relationships feel loving and supportive.
Cindi Sansone-Braff is the author of the spiritual, self-help, relationship book, Grant Me a Higher Love.
