Interpersonal relationships can be difficult. Especially when you add swinging into the mix. We all want to be accepted and sometimes we find that those we want to play with, aren’t into us. That can add to feeling like you need to put on a persona to fit in or to make new connections. However, this isn't the best way to go about it. The best way to form strong interpersonal relationships is by being authentic and genuine with the people around you.
When you're authentic, you're letting the other person see the real you. This can be scary, but it's also rewarding, because it builds trust between you and the other person. When you're genuine, you're being honest about your feelings and your thoughts. You're not pretending to be someone you're not; you're just being yourself.
Being authentic and genuine takes practice. People will appreciate getting to know the real you, and they'll be more likely to trust and respect you. So go ahead and be yourself – it's the best way to form meaningful relationships with others. It's literally the only way to ensure that you and you're partner are totally on the same page at all times.
Here are a few tips for being your authentic self and developing better interpersonal relationships:
- Be yourself. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's harder than it seems. When you're trying to impress someone, it's tempting to act like someone you're not. But this is a recipe for disaster. Not only will you be miserable, but the person you're trying to impress will see right through you. So be yourself and let the chips fall where they may.
- Don't be afraid to be different. We all have our quirks and that's what makes us unique. So, embrace your differences and don't be afraid to show them off. People will respect you more for being authentic and true to yourself than for trying to fit in with the rest of the crowd.
- Don't take things too seriously. Life is too short to take ourselves too seriously. So lighten up and enjoy the ride. When you're able to laugh at yourself, it shows that you're comfortable in your own skin and that you're not afraid of being vulnerable. And that's a huge step in developing better interpersonal relationships.
- Be interested in others. When you talk to someone, try to learn about them and what they care about. People love talking about themselves, so let them! By being interested in others, you show that you care about them and that you want to get to know them better. This is sure to make them feel appreciated and valued, which is always a good start when building relationships.
- Listen more than you talk. When you really listen to someone, they feel heard and appreciated. This creates a stronger connection and makes them more likely to trust you.
- Be forgiving. Everyone makes mistakes, and forgiveness is key to maintaining strong relationships. If you can't forgive someone, it's going to be hard for them to forgive you too.
Less Than Fantastic People
Now that we’ve talked about how to be your most authentic self, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. We all have those people in our lives that just don't seem to make us feel good. Maybe they're always negative, or maybe they're just really exhausting to be around. Whatever the reason, it's important to learn how to deal with them in a way that's authentic to you.
Here are four tips for dealing with less than fantastic people:
- Set boundaries. If this person is always negative, or if they're just really exhausting, set boundaries for how much time you're willing to spend around them. This doesn't mean you have to completely cut them out of your life, but it does mean that you need to put limits on how much time you're willing to spend with them.
- Don't take their negativity personally. It can be tough not to take somebody's negativity personally, but it's important not to let them get under your skin. Remember that they're probably just having a bad day, and don't let their attitude affect your mood.
- Be polite but firm. You don't have to be rude to this person, but you should be firm in your boundaries. If they start crossing the line, let them know that you're not comfortable with that behavior and ask them to stop.
- Find something positive about them. It might be hard but try and find something positive about this person. Maybe they're funny, or maybe they're smart. No matter what it is, find something that you can appreciate about them and focus on that instead of their negative traits.
Conclusion
Being authentic is one of the healthiest things we can do when building relationships. It allows us to be genuine and connect with others in a way that builds trust. When we are true to ourselves, it shows in our interactions with others. This applies within friendships, romantic relationships, or even those you choose to swing with.
If you’ve found this article helpful, please let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from you!
- Chris
