How to make your relationships solid by connecting better.

I’m no relationship expert but in the words of Forrest Gump “I know what love is.” {I hope you read that in a Gump accent!}

During the COVID isolation crisis, there has been a huge surge in mental health issues, resurfacing trauma, and people everywhere reporting they are struggling with loneliness and FOMO even though everything is canceled.

[Read a recent article about COVID Mental Health effects here]

When connecting to our loved ones has never been more important, here are my top three tips to help you find a deeper connection to those you want to be close to.

The Language of Connection

Learning your loved one’s Love Language can make communication easier and more effective. Dr. Gary Chapman has poured tons of research into his bestselling book The 5 Love Languages (affiliate link) and it actually works to strengthen communication in all your relationships, not just romantic ones. There’s even a book and a quiz for your kids. Take the love language test HERE.

Better connection comes with better understanding of another’s needs and perspective. These books and tests can really help you learn about others.

Sharing Your Dream-casting

Each December/January I sit down with my husband to go over our goals for the next year. We talk about trips we want to go on, conferences we want to attend, and all the important upcoming dates for the next year. Its great to get a macro level view of our future. I like to put all the dates on a huge poster board that’s divided into 12 sections (1 for each month). With the end of 2020 looming in the distance, now is the time to start thinking about what next year will hold for you.

I encourage you not to let the events of this year deter you from dreaming about next year.

Make Plans and Stick to Them

Nothing ruins trust faster than unkept promises. Making plans with someone and spending quality time with them will help deepen your relationship with them, but all progress will be lost if you fail to live up to the expectations of the plan. Make a coffee date with a friend and show up early. Take your kids to the park after school for a play date. Cover a shift at work at do the best job you can during that time. Not only will making plans strengthen your relationship, showing up for your people will solidify your commitment to them.

I can’t wait to cheer you on!

XO,

Shannon