Three-Word Phrases, can be tools to help develop every
relationship. 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.
~ 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.
~ 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.
~ 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.
~ 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."
~ 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.
~ 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.
~ 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.
~ 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."
~ 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.
~ 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."
~ I love you:
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling
someone that you truly love them satisfies a person's deepest
emotional needs. The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to
be wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and you, all
need to hear those three little words: "I love you." Love is a
choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone.
