All relationships are difficult. Even the ones you have with your co-workers can be problematic, and they’re often people with whom you only have a tenuous connection with.
When it comes to your family, these problems – and their consequences – can be ten-fold.
While you can choose your partner, your immediate family – your parents, brothers, sisters – were given to you. You had no say in who they were.
It’s imperative, however, that you maintain good relationships with them, for your sake and theirs. But how do you do this?
We have ways to keep good relationships with your family and keep those family gatherings and holiday dinners from being awkward.
How to Keep Good Relationships With Your Family
Maintain Open Communication
It’s not the things that are said that cause the most damage; it’s the things that are left unsaid that are most problematic.
If you want to stay on good terms with everyone in your clan, then you need to have open communication, even if that means sometimes having uncomfortable conversations.
This works both ways — the freedom allows you to say things that are bothering you, but also invites your siblings and parents to tell you things that are on their mind too. It’s a key part of maintaining relationships that shouldn’t be underestimated.
You should feel safe talking to your family and they should feel the same in return.
Celebrate Successes and Holidays
It’s a cruel old world out there, and though people don’t mean much harm, strangers aren’t going to celebrate your family’s successes — or, overall, show much of a concern for any aspect of their life.
So, don’t wait for other people to lead the charge when it comes to celebrating the success that a member of your family enjoys, or their birthday, or any other cause for celebration.
You can help foster good vibes by being the first to celebrate their achievements, or buying things like birthday, Father’s day, and Mother’s Day gifts. These things function as ways to show that you care, aw.
Forgive Their Shortcomings
Nobody’s perfect — not one single person on the planet. There’ll be times when a family member gets things wrong, messes up, or exhibits their worst sides.
It’s easy, sometimes tempting even, to make a big deal out of these issues, but it’s much better, for the sake of the family, if you don’t.
Of course, if something is really bothering you, then you can talk about it. But remember that they’re probably aware of the issue too, and are struggling to come to terms with that aspect of their personality. Don’t make it more difficult for them.
In Their Corner
The world’s a tough place. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t.
With your family, it’s important that you’re always on their side. You shouldn’t be another negative voice in their life — they, and you, are going to get enough of that attitude from other people.
Even when you know other people might be right, make sure you’re in their corner. Life gets very difficult if there’s nobody on your side — your sympathy might just be enough to push them to forward! This is especially relevant if they have dreams that the world seems intent on pushing down.
Show some faith!
As we mentioned, relationships are tough and everyone has some sort of difference with someone in their family, but the reality is, your family is the most important thing in your life.
Ensure you maintain good relationships with your family for yourself, your kids and everyone involved. Because when worst comes to worst, your family will always be there.