interpersonal relationships. Yet the most effective involves the
saying of just three words. When spoken or conveyed, these statements
have the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones and restore
relationships that have cooled. The following three-word phrases can
enrich every relationship.
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.
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 ecstatic 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".
I Respect You: Respect is another way of showing love. Respect conveys
the feeling 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 close friends. This applies to all inter-personal
relationships.
Maybe You're Right: This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an
argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to "Maybe you're
right" is the humility of admitting, "Maybe I'm wrong". Let's face it,
when you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is cement the
other person's point of view. They, or you, will not change their/your
stance and you run the risk of seriously damaging the relationship
between you. Saying "Maybe you're right" can open the door to further
explore the subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to get
your view across in a more rational manner.
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 who 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."
Let Me Help: The best of friends see a need and try to fill it. When
they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal it. Without being
asked, they pitch in and help.
I Understand You: People become closer and enjoy each other more if
they feel the other person accepts and understands them. Letting your
spouse know in so many little ways that you understand her/him, is one
of the most powerful tools for healing your relationship. This applies
to any relationship.
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 family, your friends and you, all need to hear those
three little words. "I love you."
The least we can do as individuals is to motivate and inspire another
human being!
A candle loses nothing by lighting another
