To develop destressing, health-promoting relationships with family and friends.
Watch your nonverbals. Research suggests that at the very most only 30 percent of what we communicate takes place verbally, with 70 percent or more occurring nonverbally. A simple look, gesture, or touch can speak volumes, communicating affirmation, acceptance, and approval, or their opposites. Never underestimate the power of your nonverbals to cultivate relationships.
Deal with conflicts directly. When a friend offends you, follow this ancient wisdom of Scripture: “Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another’s secret”. When you break a confidence and tell others behind a friend’s back about the trouble between the two of you, you lose credibility with your friend and with those you’ve told about it. Dealing directly with an offender isn’t easy at the time, but has the best chance of preserving friendships in the long run.
Forgive wrongs done against you. Nothing can paralyze a friendship like a hurt that’s not forgetten.
Observe the golden rule. Every other relationship-building principle can be wrapped up in this one. When you can do to others what you would want them to do to you if you were in their place, you will be doing the best you can to assure yourself of relationships that have the power to keep you well.
