Strengthen Your Relationships

“Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” You may have heard this quote or a variation of it when discussing your inner circle. Having a supportive network of family and friends is crucial to achieving success in life. Relationships are equally important for emotional wellness. Use our tips on how to create strong, everlasting relationships.

Whether it's with friends or family, the most successful relationships are often based on shared values. That’s not to say that you have to agree on everything in order to have a worthwhile relationship. On the contrary, having friends and family members with opposing views can challenge us and help us grow. However, in order for a relationship to be lasting there will need to be some shared values.

Think about what is important to you. What are your goals in life? Your closest relationships should be supportive of your goals, even if they aren’t shared. According to Everyday Health, “Studies show that healthy relationships make aging more enjoyable, lessen grief, and provide camaraderie to help you reach personal goals, among other things. Maintaining positive relationships should rank up there with healthy eating and exercise as a necessary investment in your health.”

While it is important to have friends from various walks and stages of life, most people will benefit from having a circle of friends in the same phase of life. Psychology Today states, “People experiencing similar life events can often provide the most valuable support to each other.” Whether you are a college student, a newlywed, a new parent, an empty nester, or a retiree, being surrounded by others in a similar phase of life can help you feel understood. It also gives you a support group as you adjust to the changes that come with each life phase.

Each of us has unique gifts that we can share with others. When you are in a relationship, you can use those gifts to help your friends and family. Don’t hold back and hide your strengths just because they may be different than those in your inner circle. Give your friends and family your best, and share your authentic self with them.

No matter how many values you share with your loved ones, there is sure to come a point where you will have a disagreement. Learning how to compromise is a vital skill to developing healthy, long term relationships. How you handle conflict will ultimately determine how successful you will be in developing and maintaining friendships.

Any relationship that is worthwhile will face challenges. Focusing on deepening the relationships that are most important to us can help develop a strong support network. When you have a close network of friends and family you are more likely to achieve your goals and be successful in life. Strengthen your relationships, and improve your emotional wellness as part of your healthy lifestyle.