Introduction
This post is about Practical Advice for Better Relationships . Every one 
could use some practical advice for better relationships. “Can’t we all just get along.” These famous words are from Rodney King whose run in with the police led to one off the worst riots in our nations history. Like the trite answer to the beauty queen question, “What do you wish for? – answer – “World Peace.” reflect our common yearning to have better relationships with the many people in our lives.
Different People
There are indeed many different people and many different kinds of relationships. We are related to family, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers. We interact with sales associates, waiters, and bank tellers. We may come in contact with policemen, lawyers, guards, and service men. We must get along with supervisors, bosses, contractors, and customers. We have acquaintances, companions, and friends. We have lovers, and spouses. Some of us have significant others and some just exes.
Common Qualities
In all of these relationships there are common qualities of character and common positive behaviors that can help us get along and bring more peace to our little piece of the world. With just a little bit of effort and a moderate amount of give and take all of our relationships can be more pleasant for us and help create a more positive home, neighborhood, workplace and world in general.
This is not rocket science. Nor do you need to be Dear Abby, nor Dr. Phil to acquire the relationship skills necessary for interpersonal success. Common sense and common courtesy will count for much, as will a measure of common knowledge passed down from ages past.
Golden Rule
I am sure you have heard of the Golden Rule. Recently the guys from Car Talk shared a Sunday School childhood misunderstanding of this bit of wisdom. “Do one to others before they do one to you.” This is a humorous completely opposite rendition of the correct application of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This advice fits all of our relationships. It fits the common courtesies at home regarding cleaning up after yourself. It is equally appropriate for those frequent opportunities to be kind to fellow motorists in traffic . There would be much less road rage if more drivers kept this directive in mind.
Another common piece of wisdom comes from a variety of sources. I learned it as coming from Native American traditions. “Before you judge your brother, walk a mile in his moccasins.” In other words, understanding is more helpful than judging.
Kill The With Kindness
There are people who seem to “rub us the wrong way.” There are others whom we seem destined to irritate as well. For these and many other relationships the phrase, “kill them with kindness” comes to mind. Remember this. It is almost always mostly about them and not you in the first place. Try not to be too self centered. A little kindness in the face of adversity goes a very long way. Be helpful here. Be thoughtful now and then. Remember their birthday. Ask about their children. Hold door open. It all adds up to a more positive relationship.
Smile
In the same way remember this little nugget of wisdom. “If you a want smile give them one of yours.” As the saying goes, “Try it you’ll like it.” It seems to almost be a reflex action. Studies have shown that our emotions are tied to our facial expressions. We express what we feel. However, by changing our face we can positively change what we feel as well. It’s part of how “method acting” works. So get into the role and follow that other piece of common wisdom, “fake it until you make it.”
Negative Feedback
Here is another more challenging idea. Negative feedback is remembered more clearly and longer than positive. It may be difficult to turn around the negative we receive but we can actively attempt to reverse the negative we dish out. Studies have suggested that it can take as many as 20 to 25 positive make up for the negative. So if you hear yourself saying “I was only kidding.” know that you have another 20 to 25 positive things to share with that person to make up for the hurt you may have done.
It can be very helpful and everyone should memorize these three very important sentences.
I was wrong. I’m sorry. Please for give me.
Unfortunately few people know and use these words. However, no matter how positive we try to be we all make mistakes. We all have times of weakness, and frustration that lead us to hurt others. These simple sentences can make all the difference. It is best if you really mean it, but fake it ‘tll you make it.
Certainly relationships are more complex than these few pieces of advice can cover. However, if you begin to apply them you will find a marked improvement in your life and the lives of all the people you know. You may not achieve world peace, but there will be much more peace in your life and in your corner of the world.