How to Repair a Broken Relationship

We all disagree with people at one point or another but when a relationship has been damaged it can be difficult to know how to mend it. The solution isn’t one-size fits all but these five simple and effective tips should offer some guidance.

Tip 1. Have Empathy

When we fall out with someone we are often quick to focus on everything they did to wrong us, without seeing it from their point of view. Be mindful of how they might have been hurt by whatever led to the dispute and have empathy for them.

Chances are, if you’re down about it, they are too.

Tip 2. Don’t be Easily-Offended

It’s no fun being someone who is easily-offended – you’ll find yourself reacting to people’s actions or words, and this could lead to many confrontations. The truth is, the more you have an attitude that tells people that you are judgemental, opinionated and easily-offended, the more you will find yourself in situations that leave you experiencing these feelings.

Allow other people to live their lives the way they want, even if it isn’t what you want.

Tip 3. Apologize

Saying sorry – if you mean it – can be hugely freeing and it could be the catalyst that repairs your relationship. If you have done something wrong then the likelihood is it is weighing on your mind, and this can leave you feeling defensive, angry and disappointed.

Admitting that you’re wrong, or owning up to the part you played in it, takes a big person, not to mention that it can release a whole load of negativity.

Tip 4. Forgive

Although it may not seem it, we do actually have control when it comes to someone hurting us – we can forgive. This is one of the biggest keys to our happiness – forgiving ourself, forgiving others and forgiving life situations. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean we are giving our approval to their behaviour, it simply means that we are choosing to no longer let it effect our lives. It’s only when this happens that we can move on with our lives without carrying a burden.

If you’re wondering how to forgive, it’s simple – accept that you want to and the rest will take care of itself.

Tip 5.  Life’s too Short – Don’t Hold Grudges

The title says it all – life is too short to hold grudges. You never know what is going to happen and, take it from us, when someone is no longer here, it’s only their good qualities that we remember. Why not carry that outlook to life; let people’s good qualities shine through and don’t focus on their flaws.

-SA-

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