There are five (5) concepts that I have learned over the past couple of weeks through self-analyzation about establishing relationships with people that I want to share with you. Whether the relationship is romantic, platonic, or business, I believe these five concepts will help establish healthy relationships:

1. Never change who you are as a person or try to change the other person. Actually, you can’t change yourself or others. The only thing you can change is your habits, and only if you want to change them. You can even encourage others to change their habits, but you cannot change them. Both of you are perfectly designed individuals, but may not be the best “mesh” for each other. The only change that is needed is the dynamic of the relationship or the amount of interaction with one another, not the two individuals.
2. Many people will come in and out of your life, but we choose who we want to have a relationship with. Though we do not get to choose our blood relatives, we do choose what type of interaction or relationship we will have with them. Choose to engage with people that bring out the best in you, and compliment your never changing personality/character traits. There will be some people that you cannot avoid interaction with. Establish boundaries with those people by putting limitations on conversation topics and/or limit doing certain activities together.
3. Being a good judge of character is essential when developing relationships with people. Never give people the benefit of the doubt, and avoid overthinking. Ask questions, seek clarification in anything that seems to be a grey area, and always listen. You learn a lot about a person’s character by listening to them.
4. Communication is the key to any good relationship whether is platonic, romantic, or business. Communication is a process that involves a listener and a speaker. The speaker should always feel comfortable speaking the truth to avoid confusion and to establish a foundation of trust. Even if the truth is embarrassing or painful to disclose, it allows for the other person to process the information fairly and accurately. Always remember; a liar is a lot of things.
5. Learn yourself, then teach others how to treat you. Don’t be afraid to assess your shortcomings, or weaknesses either. Learning the good and bad about yourself creates self-awareness. Start developing new habits for the things you dislike about yourself and want to change, and accept those things about yourself cannot change. You are the gatekeeper to your own success. Your energy and expectations attracts everything that is necessary for you to have the right circle of people around you.

Have you ever noticed how once ties are severed with people who you thought you had a healthy relationship with, blessings begin to pour into your life? Love yourself, learn yourself, and teach others how you expect to be treated by treating them the way you want to be treated.

If you have something you’d like to add to the list, please leave it in the comment section below.