Political stress has damaged some of our relationships! Anger and hurt are the reasons people have disconnected with family members, friends, and neighbors. Are you experiencing challenges within your relationships? Do you want to start to rebuild the relationships that you’ve lost? Or maybe, just make sense of the loss. For some, it may be too soon, but if and when you want to repair the relationship, here are some tips.

Be Grateful

  • . Make a list of the qualities that you liked about them at the beginning of the friendship. There are reasons you became good friends with them. Write them down.

Take Responsibility for Your Behaviors

  • . If you need to make amends about something you did or said, do that. We all say inappropriate things in the heat of the moment, “I’m sorry” can start the healing process.

Avoid Accusations and/or Attacks

  • . “You” statements put people on the defensive. “I” statements simply conveys your feelings and opens the dialogue.

Don’t Generalize

  • . Avoid words like “never” or “always.” Those words only heighten tensions.

Accept Repair Attempts

  • . Be open to others taking responsibility for their behaviors. Acknowledge their efforts and express appreciation. This is a way to gradually build trust back.

Avoid Shutting Down

  • . When one person becomes silent and stops responding to the other person; that’s when the frustration and anger begins and continues. This is a good time to take a “time out” and do some “self-care” techniques for yourself.

In repairing relationships, it can be very helpful to increase your knowledge about the impact of body language, tone or volume of your voice and appropriate ways to express your feelings. By learning and using these assertive communication skills, you can repair and improve the quality of your relationships.

If you would like more information on how to rebuild and/or create healthy relationships with family members, friends, and partners, please call the Blue Lemon Therapy office for a 30-minute complimentary meet and greet appointment at (520) 820-4079. This office also features Michaela Conley, LAMFT, a Marriage and Family Therapist. Her number is (520) 344-3244. We are located at Blue Lemon Therapy, 2252 W Magee Road in Tucson, AZ 85742. The office building is nestled between Oro Valley and Casa Adobes. For more information, visit bluelemontherapy.com.

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