People (one of the four Ps of Positive Psychology) are an important part of our happiness. Studies like the Grant Study in “The Good Life” by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz confirm that relationships are key. [Listen to the TED talk.]
To cultivate relationships, combine sharing with emotional intelligence, and add excellent communication skills, especially listening. Understand the importance of love languages, loving actions, and being authentic. For close relationships, know what you want, know what you control, identify needs and meet needs with love, and learn effective conflict resolution skills. Learn more with love books, including “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman.
This week, take one action to meet someone new, make a friend or a connection, develop a support system and stay connected with friends, family, or a partner. Remembet to relate with CARE:
• Communicate and converse. Communication is key, especially listening.
• Act lovingly and authentically. Use the love language that speaks to your partner and be you.
• Reach out to others and remember to SHARE. Reserve a date night or kids day out.
• Explore connections and develop emotional intelligence.
Conversation starters
- The nicest thing that happened this week?
- Something you are grateful for?
- Most surprising thing that happened this week?
- Something you learned?
- Best thing you’ve read?
- Best thing you’ve watched?
- Something that made you laugh?
- Best thing you’ve listened to?
- Best thing you’ve eaten?
- Something you love about them?
- Something that made you feel loved?
- One thing that could improve the relationship?
- What do you wish would happen next week?
See more ideas at the Conversation Starters Pinterest board, and Conversation Bingo at A Networking Game Card.
Add activities and games
Fun games are a great way to connect: Board games like Scrabble or Wahoo, Card games like Golf, Hearts, or Uno, Dice Games like Skunk, Farkle (scoresheets), or Qwixx (scoresheets), Apps like Heads Up or Things. Crossyroad, with multi-player over local wi-fi for Android. Learn how to play some of these games with videos at this Youtube playlist.
Socially Distanced Options: Schedule a time that works for everyone with Rallly.co. Set up a game room to play Uno and Farkle (plus more) at buddyboardgames.com with no registration required. Practice against the computer: Uno at crazygames.com, Farkle at cardgames.io. At trickster cards, you can practice against the computer, join a game, or create or join a game with friends. Roll Qwixx dice online at rollthedice.online or play online here, with instructions here. Try Bowl Full of Nouns for something different. Read books with grandkids with the Caribu app.
When you can’t relate…There are times when playing a game with friends or family isn’t possible. For those times, try Solitaire Social at crazygames.com, pacman at Lumpty, or Word Games.
Reserve a Date Night
A date night could include: dancing, dinner out, game night, a movie, or pizza night. You can explore seasonal bucket lists or add some randomness with a Penny Date. For a penny date, your partner chooses a number between 10-20 (that’s the # of times you’ll flip the penny) Heads is right, and Tails left. Flip the penny at every junction until the number is reached. Look around for something to do! Here are some date night ideas for each month of the year:
1. Video game arcade
2. Fancy Restaurant
3. Board or card game
4. Brunch
5. Miniature golf
6. Restaurant with music
7. Swimming pool
8. Outdoor concert
9. Lakeside picnic
10. Bingo
11. Coffee House music
12. Christmas lights and hot chocolate
Try the Day Out Ideas Spinner
Explore seasonal bucket lists (and more activities to share.)
The Relate File includes 3 x 5 cards for:
- The Five Love Languages
- Conversation Starters
- Date Night Ideas
- Seasonal Bucket Lists
- A- Z activities
- Game Ideas
Download a free printable Relate File pdf
READ
• “You’re Not Listening” by Kate Murphy
• “Connect” by David Bradford and Carole Robin
• “We Should Get Together” by Kat Vellos
• “Getting to Yes” by William Ury
Also: “Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World” by Vivek H Murthy M.D. See more books for personal development. This book talks about the experience of loneliness and ways to combat it. A powerful way to add both connection with others and meaning is to volunteer.
See also: Stay Connected at Develop a Support System | Seasonal Bucket Lists at Choose the Best Recreational Activities | Recreational activities at Quality Leisure | Anti-loneliness Actions for 12 Connections
Sharing is Caring includes a Share File with recipes, menus for easy entertaining, ideas for seasonal treats and other treats to share.
I seek to create order from the chaos of complex information. Join me at the Daily PlanIt to gain insights, inspiration, and information to increase skills for a better life. I unlock the power of teaching reading with phonics in the pursuit of literacy at www.phonicspow.com. In my spare time I explore books and movies, often choosing titles available on both screen and page.
Daily PlanIt 