When you’re running on full speed throughout the year, it’s hard to find the time to look at your current relationships from the outside in. That’s why the New Year is the perfect time to sit down and spend some time re-evaluating all your relationships – from family to friends, to your special someone. Start spring off on the right foot by looking at the current condition of your relationships to find areas that need improvement and growth. If you’re not sure where to start, let us help with these quick tips to re-evaluate your relationships.
Spousal Evaluation
When you take some time to evaluate your marriage, you can help find the areas in which you need to grow as a couple and individually in order to have a more successful relationship. To do this, you should ask specific questions on the state of your marriage, such as “have I been a supportive spouse?” or “what’s missing in this relationship lately?” or “are we spending enough quality time together?” Being able to respond openly and honestly without judgement will allow you both to see any holes in the marriage and find ways to improve on specific areas that need a little more focus.
Relationships With Your Children
Your family relationships should also be evaluated every year. This can help you pinpoint any strengths or weaknesses in your parenting. For instance, you may be a thoughtful and supportive parent, but you may struggle with properly communicating which leads to constant frustration and arguments. To help you honestly evaluate your relationship with your children, ask your children if they feel you listen to their needs, whether you spend enough time with them, and if they feel loved and supported whole-heartedly. Talking to your kids can help you learn about areas where you may need to improve in order to strengthen the relationship between you and your family.
Family Bonds
The relationship with your parents, step-parents and siblings also needs to be nurtured and strengthened from time to time. Don’t forget to take this opportunity to also re-evaluate your current relationship with each of your family members and find ways to build stronger bonds with them.
Friend Support
Your friendships are supposed to be healthy and supportive. If you feel that there are friends you can no longer count on, or who make you feel bad about yourself, it may be time to cut those ties loose. Consider each one of your friends individually and decide if you truly value their relationship and if they are worth keeping in your life. It’s not always easy, but re-evaluating your friendships and getting rid of negative associations can change your life for the better.
When you’re struggling with a failing marriage, lost family connection, or maintaining healthy friendships, it can often feel overwhelming and defeating. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer through it alone. When you need a helping hand to get your relationships back on track, come talk to us at the Vaughan Relationship Centre. Our professional counsellors can help you individually or as a group work through any areas in which you are struggling and provide the support you need to get through those difficult times.