Improve your relationships with these easy steps!

Healthy relationships with your partner and family members can enhance your life and make everyone feel good about themselves. They don’t just happen though; healthy relationships take time to build and need work to keep them healthy. The more positive effort you put into a relationship, the healthier it should be.

What are the signs of a healthy relationship?

People in healthy relationships love and support each other. They help each other practically as well as emotionally. They are there for each other in the good times and the bad times.

Communication in healthy relationships

People in healthy relationships usually communicate regularly and also listen to one another.

If there is a misunderstanding in Communication, it can make people upset, hurt, or confused. To avoid misunderstanding, things that must be considered, among others

• Focus on the person you are talking to

• Put yourself in the other person's shoes

• Don't assume, judgemental or get defensive

• Don't interrupt

• Let other people finish what they have to say

• Be honest and respectful

"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said." — Peter F. Drucker.

Communication is not just talking. Non-verbal communication — posture, tone of voice, facial expressions — can describe how you're feeling. Non-verbal communication can even undermine what you're saying if your behavior doesn't match your words.

Here's a brief guide to mastering nonverbal communication, highlighting the essential do's and don'ts.

What to do:

1. Maintain Eye Contact: Sustaining appropriate eye contact demonstrates interest and engagement. It fosters a sense of connection and trust in conversations.

2. Smile Genuinely: A genuine smile is universally understood and can brighten the atmosphere. It signals warmth, approachability, and friendliness.

3. Use Open Posture: Stand or sit with an open posture to appear welcoming and receptive. Avoid crossing your arms, as it might indicate defensiveness.

4. Mirror and Match: Subtly mirroring the other person's gestures and expressions can create a sense of rapport. Matching their energy level can help establish a comfortable connection.

5. Gesture Naturally: Use appropriate hand gestures to emphasize points or convey emotions. Natural gestures enhance your verbal message and make it more engaging.

What not to do:

1. Avoid Excessive Fidgeting: Constant fidgeting can be distracting and convey nervousness. Practice self-awareness to minimize unnecessary movements.

2. Steer Clear of Invasion: Respect personal space. Invading someone's personal space can be discomforting and might lead to misunderstanding.

3. Refrain from Crossing Arms: Crossing your arms could be interpreted as defensiveness or disinterest. Keep your arms relaxed and open.

4. Limit Distracting Habits: Avoid habits like nail-biting, tapping, or playing with your hair, as they divert attention from the conversation.

5. Don't Force Expressions: Insincere expressions are usually easy to spot and can undermine trust. Let your facial expressions reflect your genuine emotions.

Mastering nonverbal communication involves a conscious effort to align your body language with your spoken words. When used effectively, it enhances understanding, builds rapport, and fosters positive interactions. By following these do's and avoiding the don'ts, you can become a more adept communicator, ensuring that your silent language speaks volumes.