Happiness in Relationships

One of the basic human needs involves feeling connected to other people.

So why do we find it so difficult to maintain healthy, loving relationships?

I’m not only talking about romantic relationships, but all relationships, including your relationship with yourself.

Ideal relationships encourage emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth (whether they are in your career or personal life). Look at the relationships in your life objectively and ask yourself how those relationships can be better nourished and improved, because all relationships are fragile and need to be nourished. What is involved with nourishing a relationship?

Does your relationship include these key elements respect, kindness, consideration, compassion, understanding, communication, honesty, honor and loyalty?

Let’s focus on RESPECT.

Respect is a willingness to show appreciation, and to honor. Why is respect so critical? Let me answer that by demonstrating at what happens when respect is not present. Without respect, we focus on faults. Without respect, there is no compassion. Without respect, there is no understanding. Without respect, there is no loyalty.

Let’s apply this to your career. Without respect for your boss, you will not give your best to your work. After all, why give your best to someone who’s a pedantic, domineering jerk, right? Ah, but back up a moment. What if you were to see your boss in a respectful light? Respect emphasizes the positive: your boss may be pedantic and domineering, but he/she has a talent for staying focused and on task. When you see her with respect, you may see that her abrasiveness is due to deep insecurity. When you see her with respect, you may see that she is doing her best to be efficient… and this may inspire loyalty in you. Think about what this can do for your career. Not only will you further your career because you give your best effort to your work, but your work environment will become more pleasant and cooperative.

Do you see how important this shift in perception is?

If there is someone in your life who drives you absolutely crazy and makes your blood boil, take some time to think deeply about that person and find the inherent good in him or her; acknowledge the strengths and downplay the faults, and honor their essence, who they are as a human being.

This shift in thinking can dramatically change the direction of your life.

Please contact me for more on how to foster respect for others and greatly improve the quality of your relationships.

Joy Leggett
joy@joyleggett.com