Too Busy for Relationships?

In the past, I’ve observed that some neighbors go out of their way not to talk to each other. Of course, whether your friends live across the street or across the country, building and keeping close relationships takes time and effort—things it seems we have too little of these days.

In our high-tech, fast-paced culture, many people are too wired to connect authentically in relationships. With the ability to instantly reach just about anyone by cell phone, e-mail or text message, we often miss the opportunity to connect the old-fashioned way—face-to-face and heart-to-heart. The consequences can affect your potential for true happiness, personal growth and satisfaction with your life.

I interviewed 300 people to discover the quality of their relationships and here’s what they had to say. Can you relate?

54% said they get together with friends for fun and conversation less than once a month.

55% have not had a friend over to their home in more than two months.

80% of people married or in a romantic relationship said they are not satisfied with the consistency and quality of time spent with their spouse or significant other.

70% of parents surveyed said they do not spend enough time with their children.

58% said they have not had a seven-day vacation in more than a year.

Has an overloaded calendar or demanding work life left you disconnected from the people and things that matter most to you? Has a move or life change altered the dynamics of your relationships? Or do you have the right people in your life, but too much going on to spend quality time with them? If so, there are some specific steps you can take toward change.

A busy executive told me recently he didn’t really have any close friendships. All of his time had been focused on his career for so long he had no true friendships outside of his family—only acquaintances, colleagues and clients. And it’s not just the career-minded who experience the loneliness of having few, if any, fulfilling relationships.

As incomes have risen in the last 50 years, we work harder, live farther from relatives, have fewer friends and are less happy. What can we learn from this? Relationships matter. And there’s no getting around the fact that good relationships require your time.

Success is often defined in professional and financial terms, but such definitions are incomplete. What is your personal definition of success? When you look back on your life, and consider the highs and even the lows, it is the relationships—your interactions and bonds with others—that stand out most. Set personal relationship goals and give them a high priority in your life.

The context of relationships gives you the greatest opportunity for personal growth. Forgiveness, gratitude and love are all practiced in your connection with others. Cultivate your vision for the kinds of relationships you want in your life and take concrete steps.

Nurture Your Personal Community
Do you want to explore new activities with your spouse or significant other? Spend more time with a particular family member? Take a moment today to try something new or at least schedule it. Is there someone you’d like to get to know better? Call them up and invite them to do something. Is there a friend going through a tough time? Reach out to them. Showing support can be as simple as just listening. Be intentional about building the kind of personal community that feels authentic and nourishes you.

Connect Heart-to-Heart
Nothing can replace a warm smile, a hug or your undivided attention. Take notice of the ways in which you are distracted when connecting with the people in your life. Slow down and focus on the ones who matter.

Have Fun!
A well rounded life is joyful. What do you like to do for fun? Have you done it lately? Positive emotion actually expands your capacity to handle adversity and strengthens interpersonal relationships. So laugh, play and have a good time.

Limit Negativity
It’s not enough to simply balance negative interactions with positive. Negativity has a bigger impact than positivity, so it takes more positives to make up for the impact. Speak up when you need to, but speak through truth with kindness.

Show Gratitude
Psychology research shows people who express gratitude daily are happier and have better relationships. When you think of the people in your life, what are you most grateful for? Don’t take your relationships for granted. Show your appreciation through words and actions.

Your Challenge
Connect heart-to-heart with the people who matter. Whether it’s a neighbor, longtime friend or your spouse, make space in your calendar to build and maintain those relationships. What important relationships in your life are lacking a consistent connection? What could you do to change that? When will you begin?

by Valorie Burton

www.successmagazine.com