How to Maintain A Strong Interpersonal Relationship in 5 Ways
Written by Zalfa Imani Trijatna
Human beings are social creatures. Whether we like it or not, we rely on other people when it comes to our social, emotional, and physical health through the connections we establish with them.
Because of how crucial these connections are, it’s undeniably important to maintain our interpersonal relationships with other people. Maintaining interpersonal relationships can translate into a support system that provides strength and helps you cope with the challenges you face.
Verywell Mind defines an interpersonal relationship as a social connection or affiliation between two or more people, which can include your partner, loved ones, close friends, acquaintances, co-workers, and many others who make up the social connections in your life. Here are 5 things you can do to have strong interpersonal relationships in your life.
Be honest
Honesty is the best policy, right? Indeed, this proverb also applies in interpersonal relationships. If you asked a person what they believe are the characteristics of a healthy relationship, it’s highly likely that honesty would be mentioned.
As stated in MBG Relationships, honesty is the foundation for trust in a relationship, which is necessary for it to function and thrive. This isn’t limited to your interpersonal relationship with your partner but also your close friends, family, and co-workers. Honesty in your interpersonal relationships will help them know they can believe your promises and commitments.
According to The Light Program, honesty goes beyond simply telling the truth when the other person asks you a question; it also involves sharing the details of your life that you’d rather conceal. Of course, it takes courage to own up to your secrets and mistakes, but when you are involved in interpersonal relationships with people who support you, they’ll be able to handle hearing the hard news and want to be there for you. In other words, being honest with your loved ones gives them the opportunity to help you when you need it.
Show respect
Interpersonal relationships will be difficult to maintain if it doesn’t involve mutual respect, so make sure showing respect to the people you consider important doesn’t slip off your mind. Verywell Mind suggests that showing respect doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything they say or do as they wish. Instead, you should show respect by letting them know you value their opinions, interests, and time.
In addition, you can manifest your respect to maintain your interpersonal relationships in different ways. These include keeping the commitments you’ve made to them, showing up on time, being mindful of their feelings, and listening to them, even if you disagree.
Apologize
Not everybody finds it easy to apologize, and maybe you’re one of them. This is completely normal since apologizing can be incredibly painful and often requires the courage to bring something heavy up on your own, according to The Light Program. That being said, to maintain a strong interpersonal relationship, you should try to make yourself comfortable enough to apologize.
As a way of owning up to your mistakes, an apology shows that you care about your interactions to fix problems and acknowledge your own flaws. If you realize you’ve made a mistake, don’t think twice about sincerely apologizing to others. It’s essential to make sure that your apology doesn’t contain excuses or point to the actions of others, though. Otherwise, your apology may be perceived as insincere.
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Communicate
The importance of good communication in interpersonal relationships shouldn’t be underestimated. As quoted from Chrysalis Courses, communication is vital in any relationship because it allows you to effectively share feelings, opinions, and expectations. Some may often fail to communicate because they experience a fear of rejection or the fear that they might upset their loved ones or even lose them. That being said, you need to keep in mind that communication can strengthen the interpersonal relationships you share with others.
Try to communicate regularly with your loved ones to grow the bonds you share. You can share even small details from your daily life by scheduling phone calls or making plans for a weekly visit or hangout.
Listen
Good communication involves being able to listen. According to Verywell Mind, listening shows that you care, want to be involved in the other person’s life, and have an interest in what they have to say. To learn more about the other person, you can develop your listening skills to be a better listener for them.
You should also practice active listening by being engaged with what your conversation partner is saying. Try to reflect on their words, paraphrase what they have said, and ask them questions. By listening actively, you allow yourself to offer support and emotional validation, which will make the other person feel valued as your friend and confidant.
If you have trouble maintaining interpersonal relationships with those around you, don’t hesitate to share your problems and consult with Prixa!
Prixa is a pioneer in digital healthcare that helps companies and patients manage their health in more targeted and effective ways. Various health services, from teleconsultation, arranging doctor's appointments, pharmacy delivery, lab tests, and health content, to inpatient services and direct medical procedures, are available in one platform.
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