Why is maintaining or restoring a relationship important?

We are social and need relationships. Relationships are not easy. They need to be kept going in healthy ways like regular contact and deep conversations. Regular boosts keep a friendship going, which may have fizzled out if left alone.

There are hard times and restoring your relationship is important. Rebuilding relationships can be uncomfortable and unpleasant to do. It can be difficult and embarrassing to express your needs and feelings, and admit to mistakes. Following some simple tips and staying calm when emotions can run high can make it easier. It will help you to have a good talk and a more stronger relationship.

How and why does having a relationship with others make a difference when dealing with stress?

We find safety and support when we connect with others. Deep connections make you feel like you belong. When you feel like you belong, you feel less lonely and hopeless. It also boosts your ability to bounce back from life's stressors.

Why would we want to learn some strategies of building, maintaining, or restoring relationships?

• Life is stressful and connection with others helps to manage our stress.

• The ability to talk about our needs and feelings to others AND have them understand, can be a life saving skill.

• These are skills we use in most every interaction (the grocery clerk, your boss, your child, your spouse).

• When we don't learn these skills, we will find other less healthy or even dangerous ways to cope.