Being young not only means discovering who you are, it also means learning to relate and live with others.
You have friends, family, partner and colleagues. As you can see, we are surrounded by people all the time. And, although that is exciting, you cannot deny that it is sometimes complicated, because not everyone thinks, feels or reacts the same way as you or, at least, as you expected.
That’s where interpersonal relationships come in.
It seems like a school topic, but in reality it is something very everyday. It’s about how you get along with the people in your life. And, to be honest, many times it is not that easy, because sometimes there are misunderstandings, arguments, awkward silences, jealousy, pride and moments when you don’t know whether to speak, remain silent or simply walk away.
Having good interpersonal relationships does not mean that there are never problems; It means knowing how to handle them.
What makes a relationship healthy?
Getting along with others is not about agreeing with everything they say, feel or think to avoid altercations. Rather, it has to do with aspects such as the following:
- Feel comfortable being yourself
- Being able to speak without fear of being judged
- Respect and be respected
- Know how to listen (really, not just wait your turn to speak)
- Support each other, even in difficult times
Healthy relationships are not perfect, but they are real and safe.
Why do relationships fail?
Sometimes relationships are complicated by factors such as:
- Not saying what we really feel
- Assume instead of asking
- react impulsively
- hold resentments
- Don’t set limits
Over time, distance, tension or conflicts that could have been avoided from the beginning increase.
Key skills to improve your relationships
Maintaining cordial treatment with others is not learned overnight, but there are aspects that you can start practicing now:
- Maintain clear communication: say what you think and feel without attacking. Instead of saying, “I really don’t like you lately,” you can say, “I’ve felt distance between us and I’d like to understand what’s going on.”
- Listen actively: pay attention to fully understand what they are telling you and not just to respond. Sometimes all someone needs is to feel heard.
- Practice empathy: try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes, even if you don’t agree. This doesn’t mean that you approve of everything, but it does mean that you try to understand.
- Maintain healthy boundaries: not everything goes in a relationship. Saying “no,” taking space, or walking away is also part of taking care of yourself.
- Learn to manage conflict: problems do not disappear by ignoring them. They should be spoken calmly to prevent something small from turning into something big.
The traffic light trick in relationships 🚦
Practice this strategy; can help you when you are in a complicated situation:
🔴 Stop: If you are very angry or hurt, do not act immediately
🟡 Think: what is really happening? What do I want to say?
🟢 Take action: speak with respect, clarity and without attacking
Something important that you should not forget
- Not all relationships are meant to last, and that’s okay.
- Some people come to teach you something, not to stay forever.
- Learning to let go is also part of having healthy relationships.
Having good relationships helps you:
- Feel accompanied and understood
- Avoid unnecessary conflicts
- Improve your emotional well-being
- Get to know yourself better through others
- Create more real and lasting connections
Test: How are your interpersonal relationships?
Adolescence Series
Adolescence is the series that Free press that provides practical and reflective tools that help young people strengthen their emotional intelligence from a close and understandable perspective.
Each topic includes a self-test designed so that young people can identify how developed they have that specific skill.
In total there are six topics and two will be published per week with these themes: self-knowledge, emotional regulation, emotional communication, self-esteem and self-love, interpersonal relationships and emotion management. In the print edition look for the plates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, April 7-22.
With information from Violeta Velásquez. Source: MA Silvana Ferrari, educational coach, educational psychologist and university professor. Website: ProEducación Gt. https://638a650893374.site123.me/