Interpersonal Relationships & Personal Development…

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs Email this article to a friend

Making new relationships and developing existing ones is a primary part of personal development. Relationships are what gives real meaning to life and brings more satisfaction than anything else we do. Therefore it is of the essence that we know how to make new relationships and develop existing ones.

An interpersonal relationship is a broad expression that includes various forms of relationships: those between two or more people, organizations or even countries. Relationships can range from fleeting to enduring. They can be an association based on love, limerence, business and many other types of social environments. It can involve a family, kinship, marriage or a general friendship. Whatever the context of the relationship, it is important to know how to make it better as well as how to make new relationships quick and easy. It is the purpose of this article to discuss both making and developing relationships.

Five components for making new relationships:

1.    Being transparent and easy to know

 Some people are so private it is hard to get close enough to them to get to know them. Building any sort of relationship with them is extremely difficult. I know this type of person well because I once was like that; therefore I know that these concepts work. If they worked for me, they will work for you or anyone else.

Living in your own little shell closes out many joy producing opportunities.  Making new relationships is such an interesting part of life and can add so much to what could otherwise be a boring, hum drum existence.  Overcoming what is called “anti-social behavior” can be difficult; I should know, but how rewarding it is to see the transformation take place as you emerge from your shell like a butterfly and become the outgoing person that you can become.

The secret is just a determination to break out of your shell and invite other people into your world. Loosen up and give others a chance to get to know you. Learn to relax in the presence of others and show an interest in knowing more about them.

2.   Calling new acquaintances by their name as soon as you learn it

A person’s name is the sweetest word to them and calling them by it endears them to you. It is like a knock at the door to their heart; they will gladly open the door and let you in. Not many people will call a person by their name at first. They feel like they need to get to know them, but this is not how you quickly build a relationship. No one minds to be called by their name; they love it, so don’t be afraid to do it.

3.    Showing genuine interest in others

You show interest in others by genuinely being interested in them. People know almost immediately if you are interested in them and when you do show Genuine interest, they are drawn to you. You show your interest by listening to what they say and responding. Ask questions about what they are saying; nod and smile as they are talking. Look a person in their eyes as they speak to you and only occasionally look away. Make them feel that they are important and what they have to say is important to you. Give your all, your full attention to a person; make them feel as if they are the most important person in the world.

4.    Being kind and friendly toward others

Kindness is always a winner when making new friends. Your tone of voice, a warm smile and an occasional touch is the kind approach. Avoid the three Cs: complaining, criticizing and condemning. Keep your conversation on the lighter side and positive. Remember that even complainers don’t like others who constantly complain.

5.    Developing and using good social skills

 All the above is included in good social skills. They must be practiced and developed. Try them out at first on your own family and friends and see how well they work and them use and practice them everywhere you go and soon you will notice that you are acquiring a lot of new friends and making new relationships.

Developing existing relationships:

There is no such thing as a static relationship; they are dynamic systems that constantly change just like a living organism. Relationships ordinarily go through a cycle: beginning, life span and demise. The demise of a relationship isn’t always because of falling into disfavor with someone, but it can be due to simply going different directions in life, or moving to a far away location. Relationships either grow gradually or they gradually decline as people grow apart and go their separate ways and make new acquaintances. The objective is to develop your relationships rather than letting them die.

Healthy relationships need to grow and be maintained in order to endure. The best way to build relationships is by becoming a better person. As you grow, you will also learn the skills for building and maintaining relationships and it becomes a second nature.

Here are some of the skills that need developing in order to develop and enhance an enduring relationship:

• Love
• Dependability
• Respect
• Giving the feeling of closeness
• Intimacy
• Attraction,
• Good behavior
• Commitment.

Conclusion:

Try setting a goal on meeting one new person and developing a new relationship with them using the principles above. Then also begin to practice the social skills mentioned above to improve your existing relationships and see for yourself how much more satisfaction it brings to your life.

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Jimmie Burroughs is the author of JimmieBurroughs.com ; get more tips on personal development: www.JimmieBurroughs.com

JimmieBurroughs.com is founded and maintained by Jimmie Burroughs Nashville, Tennessee. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ © 2011 Jimmie Burroughs. All rights reserved

Who Is Jimmie Burroughs? Jimmie Burroughs has been involved in teaching Personal Development off and on for more than 30 years. He is a dedicated believer in Jesus Christ and considers helping others his calling in life.