Here are the best ways I have learned to make relationships better:

1. LISTEN

Sometimes this is very hard to do. Sometime we are in our heads holding that one word someone else said that struck us about something that we did and now we are just waiting for them to stop talking so we can share that random thought linked to what they said. DO YOU KNOW WHAT THEY WERE SAYING??? I have had to learn to listen..I catch myself rambling in my mind all the time….and have to say STOP IT, LISTEN!!! Our minds work like lightening so to s -l-o-w d-o-w-n – i-s-h-a-r-d …but when we do we really hear peoples hearts, dreams, loves, needs, likes or dislikes…we find connection…listening spells L-O-V-E-D to the person who has just been HEARD!!!!

2. TALK

I know, I know I just said to listen but that was first!! Listen to others first then TALK :0) Share who you are with them. Share your feelings, thoughts, dreams, and fears. When we open up ourselves to people they open up to us. Building relationships on realness, not just surface weather, yeah i got kids, I attend church…but our LIVES …our struggles and strengths. I use to think that if shared my struggles I would LOOK weak and if I shared my strengths I would LOOK arrogant. Both are a bunch a junk ,wrapped in a bag of fear. SHARE YOU!!!

3. MAKE ALLOWANCES

Making allowances is about compassion and forgiveness. Its about compromise and letting go of control. Your way is not the only highway. We are all walking our own path and dealing with our own lives. In relationships sometimes you just have to walk along side even if you disagree because it is what the other person wants and needs. I like books, I could fill my house with them, my husband finds them to be clutter. So I have one shelf of them and many boxed up and a good many under a bench in my bedroom. He is ok with it. I use to fuss about it. I had 3 book cases and many many stacks here and there and everywhere.:0)  Find the middle of the bridge and agree. If it is really important walk along side just to share the view even if the view for my husband is a stinkin’ crappie fish!!