How to strengthen relationships with friends?

If I would be a better listener, I would have better friendships — isn’t this true? No puzzle here as we know that relationships are two way streets. But what If we could listen less, but still have great connections?

I believe that it is a matter of the content that we share and receive throughout the conversations.

Seriously, I’m not impressed by a chat about the weather and it can annoy me. You know what I mean?

But, I do respect a person who shares a message passionately even though I don’t like the message. Usually an argument arises and that’s not a problem, actually great — it’s a conversation a chance to get inside of the other person’s head and play around. And as we know, friends that play together stay together.

“The key here is the added value of our conversations.”

What can be worse than having a conversation with a person who doesn’t add value to our days. Now think about yourself — do you add value to others by sharing your stories, emotions, experiences? Or, you merely try to get attention?

Just think about it — it is like having an empty juice bottle in the fridge, it’s useless. The only thing that it takes is our attention.

But giving out the value through conversation isn’t that hard. From my experience it all comes down to not give into the temptation of living out someone else’s life and being yourself. Some easy examples.

If you’re good at jokes, do it — that’s your added value.
If you’re good at telling stories, do it.
If you’re good at sharing heart and being there for someone, do it.
If you are good at discussions about ideas, do it — again and again it’s your authentic added value.

“Sharing is empowered by authenticity.”

And if you want more kick out of it, drop in a bit of scarcity, I mean share something that’s important and you don’t share it with everyone.

Now this blog is only for @Medium readers and by giving you this message It is a scarce message — take it or leave it.

Lytham St Annes, United Kingdom

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