Have you ever considered how many authentic and loving relationships you have in your life? 

Few things in life parallel knowing that a family member or a trusted friend will always be there for you. During difficult situations, it is comforting to call on these people to ask for advice or support. When others care to understand us and hold the space for healing, we feel empowered and know we can be authentic.

These rare relationships take time to nurture. How can we deepen our existing loving relationships and grow more of these connections? 

Litmus Test for Healthy Relationships

Studies have shown that healthy relationships are the best predictors of long, happy lives. A continuous Harvard Study from 1938 (more than 80 years!) validates that healthy connections are the most influential factor of health. They even have more impact than social class and genetics. Additionally, trusted relationships strengthen our resiliency and quality of life.

To check whether a relationship is healthy, you can ask yourself the following questions:

• “Am I getting truly caring support from this person?” Support and love are the main building blocks of a healthy relationship.
• “Are my boundaries being honored and is our relationship balanced in mutual respect?” Balance is important to build long-term relationships. Imbalances can lead to feeling used or codependent.
• “How do I feel about sharing precious moments of my life with this person?” Time is the most valuable asset we have in life. Therefore, take a moment to notice if certain people leave you restored or depleted after time together.

Being consistently harmed by another – whether through criticism, judgment, codependency, or abuse – is not the basis for an empowered life. Always remember that healthy relationships are built upon trust and safety.  

The Art of Social Intelligence

Social intelligence means knowing yourself and knowing others. While it may seem like a trait some people have and others don’t, social intelligence actually involves skills that we learn over time. These skills include the art of effective listening, skillful speech, and being able to create a container of trust and safety, among others.

Exploring diverse cultures, customs, and beliefs is a great way to improve social intelligence. Travelling to other regions or countries exposes us to the world, where we can learn from people with different backgrounds. By stepping beyond our comfort zone, we are better able to appreciate and respect cultural diversity. As a result, this exposure helps us connect more with ourselves and others. 

Would you like more tools to build healthy relationships? If so, AllBe offers programs to help you regain the connection, strength, optimism, and confidence to live your absolute best version.

Join us for a journey of personal mastery exploring transformative techniques, tools, and practices to help you live a purposeful and meaningful life.

Please check out the AllBe Personal Mastery course and register here!