3 Certified Things To Do For Better Relationships

A man invited a new friend home from work for supper. When they walked in the door the man greeted his wife with a kiss and asked how her day had gone. After listening to her intently, they had supper and he told her at the end of the meal how wonderful the food was and then helped clear the table. When the two men were alone in the front room, the new friend comment on the great meal and how attentive the man had been toward his wife. The man told his friend, 'Letting my wife know how important she is to me, asking her how her day went and helping around the house makes for a very happy marriage.'

The friend went home and as soon as he got into the house he greeted his wife with a big kiss, hugs and asked how her day went. She immediately broke into uncontrollable tears. He calmed her down and asked what was wrong. She then went into a long list of how one of the kids caught in trouble at school, that the van broke down on the way home, the kitchen sink was leaking again and then she said, 'As if all that isn't enough now you have come home drunk!'

Sometimes the best intentions can backfire in trying to improve our relationships.

Everyone can benefit from building better relationships and here are three basic steps to take every day.

1. Tell someone in your life how much you appreciate them every day. There is nothing more important that saying thank you. It may sound old fashion but gratitude goes a long way in your personal life and your business relationships.
2. Let people know that you really care about what is happening in their life. To be appreciated for what you do for others, knowing that someone really cares about what happens in your life is empowering. Showing you care does not have to involve knowing every detail of another's life. It is as simple as fully listening to them talk about their day and affirming them as someone important in your life.
3. Be willing to help others in any way you can without expecting something in return. The ancient concept that it is better to give than to receive is still true. Will there be those who might take advantage of you - maybe? Are there others who will be less than grateful - probably? In the long run your life will be filled with people who appreciate you as a giver and not a taker.

This life is far too short to spend it trying to get all we can while ignoring the needs of others all around us. Helen Keller stated; "Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow-men. It then appears that we are among the privileged."

Now let it be your privilege to reach out to those around you. Let them know that you appreciate them, fully listen to their heart and then selflessly help them.