Discover how easy it is to improve your relationships. The following relationship advice will encourage people to help you willingly and cheerfully. It just takes one easy communication skill, and two magic words.

The Communication Skill - Having An Attitude Of Gratitude

Yes, attitudes are really skills you can learn. Learn how to appreciate what others do for you, and you will seldom lack for a helping hand.

The Magic Words

The magic is in these two simple words, "I appreciate." These two magic words will make others feel close to you and create loyal relationships.

Don't be like the husband who told his spouse on their wedding day, "On this day I'm telling you that I love you, and if that ever changes, I'll let you know." To have great relationships you must continually let people know that you care about them and appreciate them.

Appreciation ? The Key To Great Relationships

People crave appreciation. Nobody ever gets enough, and the most difficult people hardly get any at all. Saying, "I appreciate", or "Thank you" is the easiest way to improve your relationships - instantly.

Little Things Mean A Lot

Obviously, you know to say "Thank you" when someone gives you a gift or does something special for you. However, if you're seriously interested in improving your relationships, you need to let people know how much you appreciate the little things that you just take for granted - because people are supposed to do them anyway.

Start today by saying, "I appreciate" for all those little things. Making a simple call, or writing a short note only takes a minute or two.

To your co-worker say, "I appreciate your pleasant smile. It makes me look forward to coming to work."

To your husband say, "I appreciate your taking out the trash, and helping the kids with their homework, etc."

The Appreciation Magnet

Appreciation makes people feel valued, and accepted. It acts like a magnet to attract people to you and make them trust you.

How You Will Benefit

Just think of all the other benefits you can get simply by saying, "I appreciate."

* You will have better relationships because you are focusing on how others are making your life better, not on their shortcomings.

* You will feel more successful because, even though your life is not perfect, you will be living with an attitude of gratitude for what you have now.

* You will be creating an atmosphere of acceptance both at work and at home.

Get Creative

If it makes such a difference why don't more people show their appreciation? It's probably because most people consider writing thank you notes a chore. Instead, here's how you can have fun - get creative.

* Make your own colorful thank you cards. Color your thank you letters with the word "Thank You" in different sizes and fonts.

* Give decorated "Thank You" cookies

* Write a poem.

* Send a quote

* Along with your thank you note include a joke

* Bake your favorite dessert and include the recipe in your gift.

To help you remember to express your appreciation, make a list of the people you want to thank. As you thank them, write their names on your calendar. Do this each month and enjoy all the relationships you have improved.

Man-Made Sunshine

Appreciation is like spreading man-made sunshine into the lives of those who have, in some small way, made your life happier. They will, in turn, spread this sunshine back to you in the form of cheerfulness and cooperation.

How confident are you with your relationships? The author, Harriet Meyerson, founder of The Confidence Center, will give you a Confidence Quiz and weekly confidence building tips in her email newsletter. When you subscribe you will also receive a list of the Top Ten Employee Morale Boosters, and the Top Ten Confidence Boosters. They are F.r.e.e on her web at http://www.ConfidenceCenter.com

Copyright Harriet Meyerson 2005

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