3 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Relationships
Feeling closer to your loved ones doesn’t have to be hard. Here are three science-backed ways to increase harmony, improve communication, and strengthen the bonds between partners, family members, and friends.
Take a walk down memory lane.
A recent study showed that couples experience greater intimacy and feelings of happiness when talking about a positive memory they shared together in the past. To experience the same with your loved ones, strike up a weekly “remember when” conversation to explore joyful memories, stir good feelings and keep bonds strong!
Listen to music together.
According to the Journal of Family Communication, young adults who grew up listening to music with their parents shared stronger family relationships and deeper bonds. The reason? Scientists assert that music inspires empathy and establishes synchronicity between people, fostering an emotional connection.
Compliment each other this way.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley had subjects recall praise from their partner that was either “intrinsic” (directed at inner traits like a cheerful disposition) or “extrinsic” (aimed at deeds or accomplishments like receiving a raise at work). Only after recalling intrinsic affirmations did participants report feeling more content in their relationships —and an increased desire to strengthen their bonds!
This story originally appeared in our print magazine.
