How to Improve Relationships by Changing Habits

The relationships you have massively impact the quality of your life. From your boss to your spouse, the people around you shape and define who you are right now. If you value these connections, then you’re in luck. This article is for you. Self-awareness can help you empathise and understand others, and changing habits – even the smallest ones – can improve how you interact with people. 

Here are some ways to strengthen relationships with a simple habit adjustment.

Send friendly texts

Are you one of those people who replies with short, direct and concise messages? While this style works well for office messages – and others who need information quickly and easily – you might give off the wrong impression to those who aren’t used to your minimalist texting style. A quick thank you or smiley emoji can add a bit of warmth to a simple message and speaks volumes about your appreciation.

A study in Frontiers in Psychology even revealed that emojis can speed up trust, while another paper states how they can help express emotions better.  

Say please and thank you  

Saying please and thank you doesn’t just apply to texting. Remember to do it in real life, too. Whether you’re long-time friends or business acquaintances, showing appreciation for others goes a long way. Does your communication with your spouse seem monotonous and limited to logistics? Tell your partner how much you appreciate the effort they put into the daily grind, even if it’s just for a replaced bulb. Expressing gratitude brings out greatness in the smallest of tasks.  

Make eye contact  

Locking gazes when talking to someone demonstrates that you’re giving your full undivided attention. Eye contact doesn’t have to be a stare-down (save that for your partner when they get home later tonight and give them a look that says, “I did the dishes, now I want dessert.”). However, it shows how engaged and involved you are in the conversation. 

People who look away may appear insincere, according to a study on eye contact. If staring a person in the eye makes you uncomfortable, focus your attention on the space between their eyebrows.

Smile often  

One study found that smiling not only makes you look happy but you might even start feeling happier, too. When figuring out how to improve relationships, it helps to start from within.

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 Now there’s something worth smiling about. Find out how you can achieve your best smile yet with this quick quiz.

Respect differences

Differences in opinions and beliefs are a fact of life. They keep relationships exciting because you can always learn from someone who might be your complete polar opposite. Understand the art of argument, not to win or to start a fight. Changing habits in this regard involves putting your triggers aside so you can peacefully come to a resolution with your intellectual sparring partner.

Practise active listening  

Oftentimes, when a person is speaking, the other is already thinking of how to respond instead of trying to understand what they’re trying to tell you. Listening is the sincerest form of respect and is the key to successful communication.   

Pay attention to non-verbal cues like body language, as this goes hand in hand with being a good listener. People who go on and on about themselves without stopping to ask any questions come off as self-absorbed. Your smooth-talking mate might not be short on dates, but their appeal may be because they have terrific listening skills, too.  

Follow through on commitments  

As the saying goes, a person’s word is their bond. Before you start making demands on others, make sure you uphold your end of the bargain. Did you accept a project due by the end of the month? It’s important to deliver promptly. Promised your child, you’d come see their game? Sit front and centre and cheer them on, even if their team is the underdog. Your word is only as good as the action that follows. So, if you’re used to backing out, it’s time to step up and start changing habits.  

Pay attention to your appearance

Let the people in your life know you think they’re worth it by looking your best! Practising basic grooming habits is the bare minimum. An effortless laid-back look might have worked in uni, but looking dishevelled might put off your new client. You may cause heads to shake at your bedhead. Iron your clothes. Shine your shoes. Get your hair done. If you can afford it, spend the day at the spa.   

Looking neat and clean will make others want to be around you and give you the extra boost of self-confidence that will come in handy when that person you’ve had your eyes on asks you out on the spot, for instance.  

There are so many ways to improve your relationships. Work on changing habits and the improvements will follow. Stick to this path, and you might even get new connections along the way.

References: 

Denworth, L. (2021, September 21). Making Eye Contact Signals a New Turn in a Conversation. Scientific American.

Marmolejo-Ramos, F., Murata, A., Sasaki, K., Yamada, Y., Ikeda, A., Hinojosa, J. A., Watanabe, K., Parzuchowski, M., Tirado, C. A., & Ospina, R. (2020). Your Face and Moves Seem Happier When I Smile. Experimental Psychology, 67(1), 14–22.