When you know a relationship is suffering, you may be blaming the other person for not connecting, communicating, or for just treating you badly. And those things may be true! But if we aren’t willing to look at our own part, nothing will change. You can only control your own thoughts. feelings, and actions – you have no control over the other person.
1 – Check your attitude. What are you thinking about the other person? Are you seeing the good in them or focusing on the negative? Sometimes it is hard to remember what you once loved about the other person when you are in a negative cycle! Focus on the positive and look for it – show appreciation, offer a compliment.
2 – Consider your actions. Have you been reacting to the other person’s negativity? Have you been ignoring them in order to keep the peace? Have you brought the fun or are you in a boring rut? What is one action you can take that the other person would appreciate?
3 – Pray on it. Ask God for help! Take a breather and say a quick prayer when you know you are going to be with this “difficult” person. Ask God to give you insight into their needs.
4 – Be willing to serve. God asks us to love and serve our neighbors. Even the ones we may not be getting along with. Even our family members who drive us nuts and don’t seem to appreciate our efforts! But if we serve without expecting anything in return (check your motivations), it is bound to affect the other person and the relationship.
Check out my latest quick podcast episode!