Take a moment to think about how others feel when they are around you. Do they feel comfortable, important, special, glad, encouraged? Or do they feel nervous, diminished, frightened, judged or discouraged?
It is true that we can never quite know for sure what someone else is thinking or feeling. However, it is equally true that we each have the opportunity to set the atmosphere that accompanies us everywhere we go. It doesn’t matter if we are with family, co-workers, friends or aquaintances, we can have a positive effect regardless of the circumstances.
Here are some tips for setting an encouraging atmosphere in realtionships:
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Smile
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Look others in the eye
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Find something to compliment
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Listen
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Speak caring, thoughtful words
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Show kindness and compassion
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Offer help instead of just merely advice
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Speak their name
When you take these few simple steps, you will see the opportunity for relationships to flourish.
“They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Carl Buechner
