Proven secrets for creating great relationships (Part 1 of 5)

I want to introduce you to a valuable mini course offered by Relationship Coaches and Authors, Susie and Otto Collins. I find what they have to say aligns with everything I’ve been sharing here on this blog.

In this 5 Lesson mini course they share some focused, practical, and proven secrets for creating great relationships. If you want some great ideas that can truly help you create the kind of relationships you really want, then keep reading.

The easy but powerful secrets you’ll receive today and over my next four posts are all field tested and proven to work, provided you bring the motivation and determination to make some changes in your life. Are you ready?

Let’s begin with your first lesson:

Lesson 1
If we could sum up what it takes to make a great relationship with
three simple ideas, here's what they would be...
1. Keep relationship a priority
2. Learn to embrace differences as a good thing and not what you
need to change in someone else
3. Focus on what you like, love, appreciate about the other person
instead of what you don't

There are actually many things that go into creating a great relationship but these are three ideas that we believe are critical.

*Idea one*

Keep your relationship a priority.

When couples come together, they often spend a lot of time getting to know one another and having fun together. Then, when children enter the picture or careers become demanding, their intention to spend time together gets buried and lost in the busyness of everyday activities.

What we are suggesting is to make it your intention to spend time together, really being together, even if it's to sit and talk alone for a few moments over coffee.

Make your relationship a priority in your life. Set aside time everyday to connect with your partner and don't take one moment for granted.

*Idea Two*

Learn to embrace differences as a good thing and not what you need to change in someone else. To truly have a great relationship, there has to be mutual appreciation of what each person brings to the relationship - and that even includes the differences that drive us crazy!

Here are some things we've learned about differences: First, become aware of your differences and don't assume that your partner thinks just like you and his/her priorities are just like yours. Next, talk about these differences and share what is important to you. Remember to listen with an open heart and not judge. Just because someone likes to do something in a little different way than you doesn't mean it isn't the "right" way. Look at your preconceived notions about the "right" ways to do things.

If there are conflicts about the ways in which things are done or where the priorities are placed, we recommend that you devise a new way of doing things. Perhaps a third way that might be even better than the two previous ways of looking at or doing things. Turn your attention to appreciating each other's gifts instead of holding onto what you think is the "right

way" to do it.

*Idea Three*

Focus on what you like, love, appreciate about the other person instead of what you don't.

In many relationships, there is the temptation to take each other for granted after a number of years or even months of being together. When that happens, one or both people in the relationship begin to "pick" at each other and their "faults" seem to magnify.

We're not saying to ignore what needs to be said between the two of you. What we are saying is to focus on what you want more of in your relationship instead of what you want less of. Sounds like common sense but very few people actually do it.

If you are not feeling loved and appreciated yourself, start being open to seeing and feeling love and appreciation that people are giving you that you may not be aware of in your daily life. Start seeing and appreciating what your partner does "right." Take the time, in your thoughts, words and actions, to be appreciative of the other person and watch how your relationship blossoms!

Look for Lesson #2 on my next post.