A sense of belonging is a human need like food and shelter. If close, connected relationships are so vital to our well-being, it’s shocking we never receive a proper education on how to relate to others better.

 

Ohana is an idea in Hawaiian culture. It means family in the wider sense…close relatives, distant relatives, in-laws, friends, neighbors. The idea that people are bound together and everyone must work together and not forget each other. Ohana means no one gets left behind. 

 

The two major challenges in maintaining close personal relationships are neglect and not dealing constructively with conflict. Here are some proactive ways to attend to your relationships. Take time and make it fun. Be present by taking a break from your worries. Express appreciation, this is one of the most nurturing and absent things in relationships. Listen and make an effort to understand the other point of view. Learn to communicate needs respectfully without nagging, exploding or with passive aggressive sulking. Apologize when you have hurt someone and learn to forgive quickly.

 

Want answers? Send your questions, comments and thoughts about life to universe@thelinlife.com

 

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