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Photo courtesy of kevindooley
Editor’s Note:This post was written by Laurie-Ann Murabito of LA-Murabito.com

Relationships are all around us, from our family members to fellow colleagues to customers and to our friends. There are three easy things you can do today to instantly change the relationships in your life.

LISTENING:

When was the last time you really felt you were heard? Many of us do not know how to really listen, to really hear what the other is saying. We are so busy with the chatter in our own heads, preparing what we are going to say at the first opportunity, that we do not hear what is being said. Therefore, the focus is on us and not on the one who is speaking. Take the time to lean in and hear every word that is being said. Let it sink in. You may be very surprised by what you hear.

ASKING:

Asking good question lets the speaker know you are engaged and interested. What do you ask? Be curious about what they are saying and telling you about. Make no assumption about what you know about the subject matter. Stay away from questions that start off with why. This one word makes people defensive and they’ll instinctively feel the need to justify their actions or beliefs.

MAKING TIME:

Relationships need attention. If you don’t make time or room in your busy schedule to grow any relationship, they will shatter and crumble. People need to know they are cared for and wanted. Think of how an ignored puppy acts up.

Finally:

If your desire is to have better relationships with those around you, such as your children or customers, then it will require a bit of effort on your part. If you implement any or all of the above steps you will be amazed at how the relationships around you will begin to change and grow. Be the first to make the changes you would like to see in others. By doing so, you will create a standard that you would want to live by.

It’s easy to take our feelings and the feelings of others for granted, so we assume that the people we care about know how we feel about them. When was the last time you say “I love you” to the people that really matters in your life? Be honest….when last?

While those we love are often quite mindful of our feelings, saying “I love you” is a gift we should give to our loved one whenever we can. We tend to wait until something bad happens or when it’s little too late. Letting people know you love them is an import part o nurturing any kind of loving relationship. As far as know few people tire of being told they are loved, and saying “I love you” can make a world of difference in someone’s life, take a relationship to a new level, or reaffirm and strengthen a steady bond.

It can be difficult to express your love using words, particularly if you grew up around people that never expressed their affection verbally. But you should never be afraid to say “I love you” or worry that doing so will push you into a position of excessive openness. It is important to share your feelings with those that matter to you. It’s an incredible feeling, and the fulfillment that comes with loving someone is telling them that you love them. Besides, love exists to be expressed, not withheld.

If you love someone, let them know. Don’t be afraid of the strength of your emotions or worry that your loved one won’t feel the same way. Saying, “I love you” is a gift of the heart sent directly via words to the heart of a recipient. Even though it may not always look that way, byt that’s the true essence of the gift of “I love you.”

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.