The other, this unknown. Different, elusive, incomprehensible, hostile. But also lovable, desirable, supportive, pleasant. We seek social relationships constantly, because it is part of our nature. It is on this ground that the greatest challenge for everyone is realized.
In fact, each meeting opens up to two very difficult, but also engaging, possibilities of knowledge. We learn both to know the other and to know ourselves through what the other sends us back to us.
There are no manuals, recipes or miraculous instructions
If, however, as Theodore Roosevelt states “the most important ingredient in the formula for success is knowing how to be comfortable with people”, we need to deepen the question from various points of view. Therefore, today we discover 5 useful tips for creating good relationships and why it is so important for our psychological health.
In fact, the definition of health of the World Health Organization speaks of a state of complex physical, mental and social well-being. Good relationships with others are therefore included in this definition and influence our health, our quality of life. Health comes from multiple causes and also embraces our social dimension.
5 useful tips to create good relationships and why it is so important for our psychological health
Know yourself. The Greek philosopher Socrates said it. That is, understanding desires, aspirations, limits and fragility of our personality. This also means aspiring to become the best part of oneself. It seems an ideal accessible only to a few, but life is nothing more than a long journey of investigation into oneself. The results that we will achieve through this investigation will allow us to open or close spaces of relationship with others.
Listen, but really. Remain silent, paying attention to the verbal and non-verbal content (gaze, facial expressions, tone of voice, gestures). Being able to listen effectively to others, in fact, helps to better frame the characteristics of a problem and therefore to solve it in a more conscious and effective way.
Being assertive, learning to express doubts, knowing how to manage conflicts. Express their divergent opinions, without depending on complacency and secure consent of others. Put yourself in the shoes of others, trying to understand their point of view, deactivating prejudices and false myths.
Live group experiences since childhood. Being and growing together with others in many different experiences, in fact, trains us to altruism and solidarity.
Use good humor, play often, read, devote yourself to our creative side. The events of life often hide surreal, comic, funny aspects. Taking them into consideration helps to relativize them and to welcome them with greater flexibility. Making fun with respect, playing, teasing oneself, dedicating oneself to painting, bricolage and everything creative relaxes us and prepares us positively towards others.
Beyond genetic predispositions, we can all learn some skills that facilitate a good relationship with others. This will take time and some stumbling, but it will add salt and color to our days.