How to Enhance Your Relationships
- Be Specific in Communicating.
Rather than a general, “ I love you, “ state what you love. “I like it when you wink at me across the table,” or “I don’t like it when I have to wait so long for you to meet me.” - Be Honest From the Start.
If you don’t want to date someone, you’ll do less harm stating so immediately, rather than “being kind” or “not hurting feelings” and encouraging a relationship you want no part of.
- Treat the Relationship as a Friendship First
Avoid letting the camouflage of romance blur your vision. Ask yourself how you would respond to a friend in the same situation. - Be Natural
Don't put on airs. If you've had a bad day, don’t pretend otherwise. Nobody is happy all the time. You want a friend who can accept you as you are.
- Be Individuals
Do things for yourself sometimes. The “I can’t live without you” attitude can be scary for the other person.
- Don't Be Afraid to Be Alone
If you have to see each other every day, you’re not in love—you’re addicted.
- Don't Be Afraid to Argue
Arguing, although frightening, can clarify issues and develop a closeness through understanding.
- Avoid Sexual Intimacy as Long as Possible
Establish a trusting relationship first.
- Remember That Sex Does Not Equal Love
- Touch Eachother and Hold Eachother
For the sake of touching and holding. We all need reaffirmation. Touching and holding can provide that nurturance without being a prelude to sex.
- Learn to do Something Together
A sport? A game? Don’t compete. Help each other learn.
- Work Together to Help Someone Else
Shovel a walk together. Push a car out of the snow. A task accomplished with team effort can be rewarding and create a bond.
- Play Together
Have fun and just enjoy being with one another.
- Don't Expect it to Be Easy
Solid relationships are built through hard efforts and not always comfortable times.