Three Little 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 restore
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 say "I 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 inter-personal relationships.
Maybe You're Right:
This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an argument
and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to "maybe
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.
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 family, your
friends and you, all need to hear those three little
words. "I love you."
And how about "God Bless You?"
-- Author Unknown
Comments