Stay in touch with those you care for
Make time to remind people they are special. Write a handwritten note occasionally, send an email, SMS message or phone them. If you find yourself short of time create a bulk “catch up” email to family & friends letting them know what you have been doing and that you have been thinking of them.
Make the most of how you spend your time
Surround yourself with positive people who inspire you and don’t give your time away to those that you don’t enjoy being with. If you have a family or live with someone (i.e. partner or room mate) – ask them this question each week “What activities do you have planned this week?” – this will allow you to align your calendars, avoid frustrations and plan time together.
Protect your relationships
Don’t allow yourself to be in situations that compromise your relationships or those you care for. Make time for your partner and ensure their needs are being met and you pay attention to them (even when your work seems to be more important… relationships last forever… jobs don’t).
Don’t take your relationships for granted
If you are in a steady relationship always put your partner first, make time for each other every day and don’t fall into the trap of boredom and routine. It is a relationship killer. Don’t assume people will always be there -live each day as if it were your last.
Organise time to catch up with those you love
I know of couples who have regular date nights or afternoons with their partner. If your partner travels a lot or you are separated by distance, make a regular time each day to touch base and debrief the day, chat and stay connected. If you are separated by long distances plan for a trip maybe once a year to catch up and see each other face to face.
Get away with the girls (or boys)
In Sydney I was blessed to have a group of 6 girlfriends (known as the ‘Chilli Mud Crab Girls’ – we regularly enjoyed chilli mud crab in one of Sydney’s fabulous restaurants). We worked & travelled together, had regular lunches and shared in each other’s lives. We also went to Africa & Dubai together. Getting away with the girls (or the boys) is great for the soul, develops trust, makes you laugh and boosts your self esteem – so get out there and plan that weekend away!
Remember special occasions
Make an effort to remember birthdays, wedding anniversaries, exams or anything else that is important to those around you. Take time to make a note in your diary to call that person – it will mean the world to them that you cared enough to remember.
Surprise them
Treat someone special to lunch, book the restaurant or pack a picnic and whisk them away. Send a card or flowers, send movie tickets, cook a meal, send a chocolate in the mail – there are many ways to surprise those you care for. If you have family who don’t live close by, plan a special trip to surprise them – it will make their day.
Be authentic – be yourself.
People will love you for who you are – don’t put on masks to hide the real you – remember you are special just the way you are.
Chose to be a good communicator
Get educated on how to communicate, read books, listen to tapes and watch other people. When you improve your personal communication skills your relationships at home and at work will all be improved too.
You can have amazing relationships and that will help you achieve amazing things in your life. Try some of these tips today.
