You need to work on building and nurturing a strong and healthy relationship throughout your life. If you can understand and integrate the 8 pillars that form the cornerstone of a relationship, nothing can stop you from having a fulfilled and happy life. Humans are social beings, and bonding with loved ones is essential for their well-being–physical, mental, emotional, and psychological. Here’s a quick look at the most crucial aspects of all relationships, whether family, personal, professional, or romantic.
- Love
Love is the emotional connection you sense with a family member, romantic partner, or close friend. You may have heard about the adage: Love will set you free. It may sound cheesy, but it’s actually true. Being able to love and be loved by someone allows you to relax and be yourself, without having to maintain a mask. You can present your true self without fear of judgment and rejection. That is the first step toward a happier life.
- Honour
Honour is the next pillar of a strong relationship since it’s all about respecting your partner or loved one. Respect each other’s individuality, boundaries, opinions, and thought processes. Accept that you may not think alike and share the same interests, but accepting the other person just as they are, without pushing them to agree with you all the time, is crucial. It’s how you build lasting bonds.
- Self-Control
Self-control requires effort, and it’s not always easy to do the right thing. Self-control is watching your words, actions, and behaviour to be respectful of your partner, colleagues, or family members. Be kind, and before saying or doing something, think of how that will impact the other person and your relationship with them. Self-control can also be about stopping yourself from being disrespectful, even when your loved one is not present.
- Responsibility
Being responsible in your relationship is another of the core pillars. Whatever may be the dynamics of your relationship–work-related, family-related, or as friends, be ready to step up and shoulder your share of the tasks before you. Be committed, and when you take the responsibility for a task, make sure you complete it without making excuses. Being dependable is also taking responsibility. If a loved one asks for help or you offer it, make sure you follow through with real action–no excuses.
- Truth
Being truthful is a critical cornerstone of your relationship. Always be honest in your dealings with the people close to you. Many people seem to think that a small lie here and there won’t matter. The fact of the matter is–it absolutely does! Mainly because constant lies erode relationships and betray trust. Your loved ones will have a hard time believing anything you say, and it raises questions about your credibility and integrity. Being dependable allows people to believe in you.
- Faith
Any relationship is built on a strong foundation of trust. You can’t be suspicious of people all the time, but give them space by believing in them. Have faith in their bond with you. Never sink into the pattern of questioning their motives and asking questions about every word and action. That’s how you’ll build a secure foundation for a deeper connection.
- Understanding
When you can demonstrate that you understand your loved one’s thoughts and feelings, it makes them feel closer to you. When spending time together, listen. And, by that I mean, genuinely listen, not just with your ears, but with your heart. Try to view situations from the other person’s perspective, offering compassion, sympathy, and unconditional support.
- Communication
Conflicts and disagreements are a regular part of every relationship. We’re humans, and a difference of opinion can sometimes tear apart even the strongest of relationships. Don’t let that happen to you. The solution is very simple–communication. A heart-to-heart conversation in a safe environment can resolve even the most complex conflicts. Listen, understand, and offer your perspective. Then, find a middle ground to move forward. That’s how you’ll save the relationship and strengthen it.
Humans are highly evolved emotional creatures, but that also makes our relationships very complex. But to secure and strengthen a relationship, you need to work on it. It’s how you demonstrate that the other person is valuable to you. Use these 8 pillars to create a new, robust foundation for every relationship in your life, and watch it thrive.
Also read: Six Pillars of an Effective Life Coaching Process
