How to Find Things in Common With Relatives
"In modern Western culture, it is widely acknowledged that the family is in serious trouble," says pastor and marriage expert Gary Chapman. One of the most prominent problems facing families is the complicated task of communication. It is often difficult or even intimidating to try talking with a family member, but it doesn't have to be. Finding things in common with relatives can be a simple and enjoyable experience, which can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships.
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Instructions
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Ask questions. Ask your relatives questions that do not have simple "yes" or "no" answers. This will encourage them to respond with elaborate answers, which you can use to try to find common ground. If you ask questions that have one-word answers, it will be more difficult to find things to talk about.
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Tell a story. Share a story with relatives that has significant meaning to you. This will encourage your relatives to come up with a similar story that they can also share with you. Storytelling is one of the oldest forms of communication, and is an easy way to find things in common with family members.
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Share a memory. Discussing a memory you have shared with a relative is an easy way to find something in common: your past. Even if you have only shared a few memories, try finding one that will make you both laugh. Being comfortable and laughing about a shared memory will help you both to relax, which will make it easier to continue finding things to talk about.
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Play a game. Board games, card games and word games are all tried and true methods of spending time with family members. Playing a game is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon or evening just talking with your relatives. Finding a game you both like is a positive step toward finding even more things in common together.
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Do an activity. Activities can be anything that get you and your relatives to work together. You can make a craft, go on a walk or volunteer together. Simply spending time together with a common goal will force you to communicate with one another, allowing for you to find things to talk about that you have in common.
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