Three Things You Can Do to Improve Your Relationships Today
Having meaningful relationships with family, friends and co-workers is vital to your health and wellbeing. Research has shown that healthy relationships can help you better manage stress, encourage healthier habits and even extend your life. So, what can you do if you struggle to connect with others and maintain relationships?
Work on Being a Better Listener and Communicator
If you have autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it might feel frustrating trying to understand other people. Perhaps you’ve had some conflicts in the past because you accidentally misinterpreted what someone was saying or feeling. If this sounds familiar, the tips below from Making Friends – A Guide for Autistic Adults, can help you have better interactions and experiences:
- If you’re not sure what someone means, ask them to clarify what they’re saying or to repeat themselves.
- Try not to interrupt the other person while they’re speaking.
- Work on reading nonverbal cues like facial expressions and body language to better understand how other people feel.
- If you’re nervous about talking, practice what you want to say or write it down on paper.
Identify Things You Have in Common
It’s easier to bond with someone when you share some similarities. So, take the opportunity to learn more about the other person. You might find out that you both enjoy the same types of foods, sports teams, books or even hobbies. Then based on their answers, you could suggest an activity to do together. For example, if you both like art, you could visit a museum or take an art class together. Or if you both love being outdoors, you could see if they want to go on a walk or hike with you.
Asking the other person questions shows that you’re genuinely interested in their life and actively listening to what they say. Plus, it makes them feel respected and cared about.
Try to Be More Flexible and Understanding
You may not always agree with the other person, and that’s okay! Keep in mind that each person has a unique perspective, beliefs and experiences. Being able to disagree respectfully is key. If you have a problem with someone, it’s best to talk to them right away to prevent any bad feelings. Together, you can work on a solution that makes both of you happy.
If you’d like more help building and improving your relationships, contact a behavioral health professional or consider enrolling in a social skills program.
