How Strong Is Your Relationship?

Written by: Trina Wyatt

There are many different kinds and they are made up of many different dynamics. Our lives consist of relationships strong and long term, like the ones between us and our childhood besties, or fleeting, like the one with the kind stranger who sparked a conversation at the coffee shop this morning. In looking at more powerful relationships (and even the initial phases of some others!), there are things we can do to strengthen them. Here are just a few:

Meditate

Say what now? It’s true – meditation can really help strengthen all different kinds of relationships. First of all, it helps us build up our relationship with ourselves. It allows us to practice self-love, acceptance, and vulnerability. This is hugely important since a completely successful relationship with someone else isn’t achievable until we are confident in the one we have with ourselves.

Observe

In order to understand what we truly want in a relationship, we must first be able to recognize what that is exactly. The only way to do that is to become aware of the various aspects of other relationships that we appreciate. While every relationship is different, a lot of the positive traits that they’re made up of may overlap, and if we know what those look like, we will be better at attracting those qualities in a new relationship.

Forgive

Whether we’re talking about friendships or romantic relationships, it’s inevitable that you will need to forgive someone that you care about at some point. Forgiveness is necessary for you to be able to move on from whatever situation requires the forgiving and also for your relationship to continue to grow.

And for the relationships that are past mending?

There are strategies for keeping those healthy, too. A recent episode of Sacred Sundays focuses on Katherine Woodward Thomas, M.A., MFT who is the author of the New York Times Bestseller Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After. It was nominated for a Books for a Better Life Award, and she also wrote the national bestseller, Calling in “The One:” 7 Weeks to Attract the Love of Your Life.  Thomas is a licensed marriage and family therapist and teacher to thousands from all corners of the world. Anyone in any stage of a relationship will find meaning in her work.