How to Have a Fruitful Relationship

Relationships can be tough. This is true whether the relationship is marital, romantic, friendship or business-oriented. Having a fruitful relationship, however, is even tougher because you need to know how to compromise and how to make the other person feel valuable. But the steps that allow you to build a strong, successful relationship are not hard to learn. Read on to learn how to have a fruitful relationship.

Instructions

1. Listen. Most people don’t listen well. Instead, they tend to plan what they are going to say while the other person is still talking. This is not the way to have a fruitful relationship. You need to really listen to what the other person is saying. Listen with your whole being. When the other person stops speaking, repeat back to him what he just said to make sure you understood him correctly. This is called “active listening,” and it is extremely effective in building successful relationships. She will feel very flattered that someone else is really listening to her.

2. Understand. No matter what the other person does, try to understand his motives. Few people set out to create unhappiness; most people are doing the best that they can under the circumstances. Show her that you understand by putting the best possible interpretation on her actions. Not only will he feel better that you are not judging him negatively, but you will feel better because you are not judging him.

3. Forgive. We all make mistakes. We all deserve forgiveness. Although total forgiveness can be tough sometimes, an easy way to do it is to not judge another person. Instead, see his actions as just that—actions—neither good nor bad. Do not take her actions personally or condemn her. Be compassionate toward others.

4. Agree. You can win an argument, or persuade a person to see your viewpoint, by agreeing with him first. This is especially true when there is a disagreement. If you say, “Yes, I see your point,” or “Yes, I agree,” first, the other person will be more likely to listen to your point of view. If you start out arguing about your differences of opinion, however, the other person will likely resist your argument and not even listen to anything you have to say. Agree first. Persuade later. This is probably one of the best ways to have a fruitful relationship.