Nurture Good Relationships

Friendships, romances, and even family relationships have one thing in common- they need to be nurtured. Some friendships last a lifetime, and those are the ones most commonly nurtured by telephone calls, e-mails, or notes in the mail every now and then.

Nurturing a relationship doesn’t have to be hard work. It’s merely about having your friend, partner, or family member feel that they’re special to you. If you find the relationship is becoming an 80-20% divide with the higher percentage of effort coming only from you, it may be time for a chat. And, if the relationship is valuable enough to both of you, both will want to hear what the other has to say.

While families create bonds by their very nature, good friendships can provide support when families can’t. But, as the saying goes, to have a friend you need to be a friend. Our busy schedules sometimes mean weeks go by without any contact between friends, but there are quick ways to ensure your friends know you still care:

• Send a four-line e-mail, not a chain letter that lets him or her know you’re thinking of them.
• A personalised message can be a delight. A phone call or message that only says, “Did anyone tell you today how wonderful you are?” makes people feel good.
• Remember important dates like birthdays and anniversaries, and make them feel special.

When did you last ...

• Call your parents and tell them you love them?
• Send a card to someone by snail mail?
• Take time to listen to an elderly relative?
• Call up an old friend just for a chat?
• Say “thank you” to someone just for being in your life?
• Send a birthday card to a colleague?
• Buy a cake for co-workers just for fun?
• Tell your siblings how great they are?

In the age of fast-food, fast cars and fast communication, it’s important to maintain contact with the people who knew us when we were younger. They ground us and help us stay in touch with our past. So, spend a minute today to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, or send some flowers.

It’s time!