Bridge to Wellness
Nurturing Healthy Connections
by Anna Webber, LMSW
It’s typically much easier to make friends when you are young. But fostering positive and fulfilling relationships is crucial for good health and well-being as you get older too. Photo by Robert Collins at unsplash.com
Do you remember how easy it was to make friends when you were younger? It seemed like a simple swing on the swings could lead to an instant connection and a lifelong bond. As you grow older, however, making immediate connections doesn’t happen as often. You may become busier and more cautious about how you spend your time and who you choose to spend it with. Nevertheless, fostering positive and fulfilling relationships remains crucial for good health and well-being.
But how do you discern which connections will uplift you rather than drain your energy?
Active listening and showing a genuine interest in others’ lives is a great starting point for figuring out if someone shares your values and interests, and whether that person is interested in establishing a relationship with you. For example, make sure your body language shows you are interested in what the other person is saying. Put down your phone and focus your attention on the other person, asking open ended questions that encourage that person to share more deeply. By discussing and bonding over shared experiences, values and interests, you set a strong foundation for a healthy and lasting relationship.
However, not all connections are going to be positive ones. If you notice, for example, the genuine interest you are showing in someone else’s life is not reciprocated, it might be a sign that this is not the beginning of a long-lasting, healthy connection. Constant negativity, lack of trust, disrespectful behavior, and disregard for boundaries are common behavioral warning signs that may signal an unhealthy dynamic in relationships. Trust your intuition and assess the situation. If a relationship consistently exhibits these behaviors or causes significant distress, even after you have communicated your needs, thoughts and feelings, it may be necessary to reevaluate and consider creating distance or seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals.
Fostering healthy connections and building positive relationships is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness and open communication. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support you, and be willing to let go of relationships that no longer serve your well-being.
By nurturing positive connections, you can create a network of relationships that contribute to your personal growth and happiness.
This column is sponsored by the Stockbridge Area Wellness Coalition (SAWC). Anna Webber is a licensed social worker and, along with the Community Health Improvement Team at Chelsea Hospital, coordinates the SRSLY Manchester and Stockbridge programs.
