10 Tips for Healthy Relationships With Friends and Yourself

10 Tips on how to start a healthy relationship with yourself and others

It is never too late to start a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Visit the listing below for tips on how to make your deep desires and dreams a reality.

1. First, and above all, begin with self-love. It's okay to "toot your own horn" a bit. This isn't a selfish act, but more a "selfish" act of appreciation, joy and respect. When you really like who you are, you can effectively share your wholesome self with a healthy-minded mate.
2. Be sincere and upfront. Be true to who you are. You are valuable and your opinion does matter, so don't mask your true feelings. If someone doesn't know the real you, they can never love you for who you really are.
3. Break old patterns of unhealthy loving. Make it a priority to empty out all emotional baggage of the past so that you can travel with a new and healthy emotional set of luggage from today on.
4. It's never too late to enjoy a soul mate. Whether you're single or married, this holds true. It doesn't matter what age you are, you can always attract and marry your very own ideal mate. If you're already married, you can rekindle the passion and joy you felt during your courtship stage.
5. Don't ignore, but explore your differences. Women and men do many things differently. This can be fascinating or frustrating, depending on how you choose to look at it. Choose to view it as a fantastic challenge to learn about the opposite sex. Celebrate your differences by forming healthy, platonic friendships, and really get to know and like each other as friends.
6. Talk things out. Communication is one of the key ingredients in healthy relationships. Don't assume that the other person knows what you're thinking. Always make room for healthy and rational discussions.
7. Set some time aside for yourself. Sometimes we get so caught up in taking care of everyone else that we forget to make room for our own needs. Schedule at least 30 minutes each day to pamper yourself, indulge in a hobby you like, try something new or just relax and replenish your spirit.
8. If it doesn't fit, don't force it. Don't pretend or force yourself to put up with any condition that causes you discomfort. You can agree to disagree in a positive manner; this way you'll never have to contort yourself to fit into someone else's expectation.
9. Practice the THREE P Formula: penning, pacing and praying. Process your goals or feelings on paper by writing everything down in a journal; pace yourself with enough time to accomplish what you desire; and always pray through each step of the way.
10. Learn to laugh more. Start focusing on the little things that bring joy to your heart and a smile to your lips. Your life will become more enjoyable and your relationships more pleasant and meaningful.

By Grace Cornish, Ph.D.