Relationships Can Provide Help and Support
When we face challenges in our lives, our positive relationships become a source of help and support. For this, and many other reasons, improving and strengthening those relationships should be among our top priorities.
Improving Relationships with the GIVE Skill
- Gentle – Be nice and respectful. Don’t attack, judge, or threaten
- Interested – Listen and appear interested in what the other person is saying. Don’t interrupt or talk over
- Validate – Let the other person know that you hear and understand their point of view. You can say something like: “This must be hard for you” or “I see that you are upset” or “I can understand why you would feel that way”
- Easy Manner – Be calm, cool and collected; leave your attitude at the door