Just 3 words
There are many things that we can do to
perk up and strengthen our interpersonal relationships. Yet the most
effective involves the saying of just three words. When spoken or
conveyed, these statements have the power to forge new friendships, deepen
old ones and rest old relationships that
have cooled.
The
following three-word phrases can enrich every relationship ...
I'll be there.
If you have ever had to call a friend in the
middle of the night, to take a sick
child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear
the phrase I'll be there." Being there for another person is the greatest
gift we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important
things happen to them and us. We are renewed in love and friendship. We
are restored emotionally and spiritually. Being there is at the very core
of civility.
I miss you.
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and
strengthened if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I
miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners they are wanted,
needed, desired and loved. Consider how ecstatic you would feel, if you
received an unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle of your
workday, just to sayI miss you."
I respect you.
Respect is another way of showing
love. Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal.
If you talk to your children as if they were adults you will strengthen the
bonds and become close friends. This applies to all interpersonal
relationships.
Maybe you're right.
This phrase is highly effective in diffusing
an argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side tomaybe your
right" is the humility of admitting, "maybe I'm wrong".
Let's face it. When you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is
cement the other person's point of view. They, or you, will not change
their stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship
between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can open the door to
further explore the subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to
get your view across in a more rational manner.
Please
forgive me.
Many broken relationships could be
restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for
forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles and failures. A
man should never be ashamed to own up that he has been in the wrong, which
is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.
I thank you.
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy.
People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who
don't take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their
friends for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people
whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do not have the
attitude of gratitude.
Count on me.
A friend
is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential
ingredient for true friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds
people. Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true
friends. When troubles come, a good friend is there indicating "you can
count on me."
Let me help.
The best of friends see a need and try to fill
it. When they spot a Hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked,
they pitch in and help.
I understand you.
People become closer and enjoy each other
more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting
your spouse know in so many little ways that you understand them, is one
of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. This applies
to any relationship.
Go for it.
We are all unique individuals. Don't try
to get your friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in pursuing
their interests, no matter how weird they seem to you. Everyone has
dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage
your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."
I love you.
Perhaps the most important three words
that you can say. Telling someone that
you truly love them satisfies a person's deepest emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated
and to be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all need to
hear those three little words. "I
love you."
GOD BLESS YOU! (These are 3 words
too, right?)