If you are looking to build stronger relationships in your life, whether that’s with your partner and children, or friends and colleagues, there is an easy-to-remember acronym – GIVE – that can help set you on the right path. Health Improvement Practitioner, Rebecca, explains it below:

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Gentle

Be nice and respectful, in your words and body language. No blaming / insults / sarcasm or judgements. 

Interested

Listen and appear interested in the other person. Listen to their point of view. Make eye contact; lean toward the person rather than away. Don’t interrupt. Be patient.

Validate

With words and actions, show that you understand the other person’s feelings and thoughts about the situation. See the world from their point of view, and then say or act on what you see.

Easy manner

Use a little humour (if appropriate). Smile. Ease the person along. Be light-hearted. Sweet-talk. Use a “soft sell” over a “hard sell.” Leave your attitude at the door.

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This is a skill from dialectical behaviour therapy, developed by Marsha Linehan. Although based on a specific therapy, designed to support people with skills for emotion regulation and interpersonal relationships, these are great skills for anyone to use. 

Give it a go, even just as an experiment, and see what you notice. Does anything change in the body language of the person you’re communicating with? Or in their tone?

If you want to address any relationship challenges, or learn more skills, book in with me and we’ll work together to come up with a personalised plan. My appointments are free, and I have same-day appointment options, or you can book via reception.