Just 3 Words

There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships.

Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words.

When spoken sincerely, these statements often have the power to develop new

friendships, deepen old ones and even bring healing to relationships that

have soured.

The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.

1. LET ME HELP

Good friends see a need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they

do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.

2. I UNDERSTAND YOU.

People become closer and enjoy each other more when 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.

And this can apply to any relationship.

3. I RESPECT YOU

Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates 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 closer friends. This

applies to all interpersonal relationships.

4. 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

important 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."

5. MAYBE YOU'RE RIGHT.

This phrase is very effective in diffusing an argument. The implication

when you say "maybe you're right" is the humility of admitting, "maybe I'm

wrong". Let's face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you

normally do is solidify the other person's point of view. They, or you,

will not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously

damaging the relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right" can

open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the

opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the

other person.

6. 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. 7. 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. 8. 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." 9. 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. 10. GO FOR IT

We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your friends to conform to

your ideals. Support them in pursuing their interests, no matter how far

out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are

unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow

their dreams. Tell them to "go for it."

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