Developing Positive Relationships Carroll County Advisement Program

“The most important single ingredient in the formula of success is knowing how to get along with people.” ~Theodore Roosevelt

Positive Relationships Help us feel healthier, happier, and more satisfied with our lives. Allow us to connect and relate with others. Enable us be more supportive of others. Are important for success – personally and professionally.

Tips for Developing Positive Relationships Accept and Celebrate Differences Listen Effectively Give People Your Time Develop Your Communication Skills Manage Mobile Technology Develop Empathy Understand Peer Pressure

Accept and Celebrate Differences One of the biggest challenges in relationships is accepting each other’s differences. People perceive the world in many ways. It is only natural to feel comfortable with people that share our views. However, accepting and celebrating that we are all different, makes our relationships more enjoyable.

Listen Effectively Listening is crucial in boosting another person’s self-esteem. Listening is the silent form of flattery that makes people feel supported and valued. Listening is the most important part of successful interaction with others. Active listening shows others that we are interested in what they are thinking, feeling, or wanting.

Give People Your Time Devoting time, energy, and effort to building relationships with others is one of the most valuable life skills. Giving your time to someone is a contribution to the relationship. Enjoy the time you spend with others and do not dwell on the past or worry about the future.

Develop Your Communication Skills Listening helps us understand each other and enables us to resolve our differences. Showing respect for people and their ideas will encourage them to speak openly with you. Using a friendly tone with others helps them feel appreciated. Stating your message with clarity and concision helps you avoid confusion.

Manage Mobile Technology Be in control of your cell phone, don’t let it control you. It doesn’t have to be on all the time, and you don’t always have to answer it immediately. Be courteous to those you are with; turn off your phone if it will be interrupting a conversation or activity. Use your phone’s features like silent ring, vibrate and voic to handle the times when your phone must be on but would be bothering others if it rang and you answered it.

Develop Empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Empathy allows you relate to another person’s feelings without blaming them, giving advice, or trying to fix the situation. Empathy supports others and develops mutual trust. Empathy and understanding builds connection between people.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Understand Peer Pressure Peers are people who are part of the same social group. Peer pressure refers to the influence that peers can have on each other. In high school, teens begin to develop relationships with their friends that are more intimate, exclusive, and constant. These relationships help teens develop a sense of belonging and foster social skills necessary for future success. Peer pressure can have a positive or negative influence on your actions and behaviors so understanding peer pressure is very important.

Positive Peer Pressure Positive Peer Pressure occurs when your friends influence you to do what is RIGHT! Examples include: ▫Studying for a test ▫Helping a new student in school ▫Showing respect to others ▫Exercising ▫Avoiding alcohol and drugs ▫Working hard ▫Becoming involved in school activities

Negative Peer Pressure Negative Peer Pressure is often dangerous and against school rules, home rules and personal values. Some examples include: ▫Skipping School ▫Smoking or Drinking Alcohol ▫Sneaking out of the house ▫Vandalizing Property ▫Shop Lifting ▫Disrespecting Authority ▫Engaging in Sexual Behavior

Resist Negative Peer Pressure Sometimes teens give in to peer pressure because they want to fit in and be liked, or they don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings. It is important to know how to handle the situation. ▫Understand your own values and beliefs ▫Have self-confidence ▫Don’t make excuses – tell your peers exactly how you feel. ▫Choose your friends wisely ▫Talk to a trusted adult

In Summary Build positive relationship skills by: ▫Accepting and Celebrating the Differences of Others ▫Listening Effectively ▫Giving People Your Time ▫Practicing Good Communication Skills ▫Maintaining Proper Cell Phone Etiquette ▫Empathizing with Others ▫Understanding Peer Pressure