Did you know that most relationships don’t struggle because of a lack of love, but through a lack of understanding…?
Everybody wants to be loved. And we all prefer to receive love in a particular way. But actually we tend to give and show love in the way we would like to receive it ourselves – which might sound fine, but is that the way your partner / child / family prefers to receive it? If it isn’t, then your acts of love may be completely missed and not fully received by your loved ones.
If you were to ask a number of people what indicates to them that they are “being loved”, you may be surprised at the number of different answers that come up! Try it and see – for one person it can be having a favourite dinner made for them at home, for another person it’s being taken out somewhere nice, while another person would know they are loved by being told it, or simply being cuddled up on the sofa.
But just because it works for one person, it doesn’t mean it works for the partner in the same way.
3 Tips:
So here’s 3 tips to help you avoid the pitfalls, that’ll help you get on even better with those you love:-
1. Reciprocation
Because people tend to give love in the way they would like to receive it, become more aware of the ways your partner (child / family member) shows their love for you. What sort of things do they do for you, and what do they get excited about? Try reciprocating in a similar way and see what happens.
2. Appreciation Mode
Make an effort to stay in “appreciation” mode. All too often in life we can get into habitual patterns and forget to stop and notice the good things, things that we probably take for granted (for instance, how maybe having a cup of tea made for you in the morning initially starts off as a lovely gesture – but then over time gradually becomes taken for granted, and which then becomes a source of irritation when it doesn’t appear!) Sound familiar?
3. Say & Do
Say or do something nice every day that is purely for the happiness or pleasure of your partner / child / family member. Interestingly, research has shown that in giving someone else kindness, happiness or pleasure, the emotional benefits are often experienced in equal measure by both parties.
Here’s wishing you increased happiness in all your relationships – do let me know how you get on And if you would like some extra help in dealing with your personal relationships, you are welcome to get in touch, I’ll be happy to help.
