The caliber of our interpersonal relationships has an impact on both our mental health and general well-being.

When we are linked to the people we love, we feel better and enjoy life more personally. Most people list connecting with loved ones and having fun together as their most memorable life events.

These vital connections extend beyond our immediate families and close friends to the larger communities and groups we are a part of. Building relationships and a sense of community with coworkers, neighbors, and the other identity-forming groups we belong to (such as sports, hobbies, religious, and community organizations) all contribute to our well-being. Our feeling of personal significance in life is greatly influenced by our ability to develop a sense of community with other people around a common goal or identity. The resilience of the communities to which we belong is entwined with our resilience. We derive our power from the network of connections and relationships we have with other individuals. These kinds of communities have the power to uplift us when we are down and give us the strength to overcome any obstacles that may arise. According to Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Marriage Psychologist & Relationship Coach, “Unconditional Love is a wonderful tool for building a good relationship amongst partner, to love and be loved is like feeling the sun from both sides, relationship  therapies help in developing skills to love unconditionally.”

Making and keeping joyful personal connections and being a part of supportive groups, however, is not simple. A loving, supportive connection with a partner may begin, but over time, neglect, and stressful life events can have a negative impact, causing conflict and marital dissolution. By this time, the relationship has changed from being a source of enjoyment and well-being to tension and discontent.

Additionally, you might first join a good community group that is dedicated to improving the world, but later on, the members become embroiled in internal conflict and scapegoating, and the group as a whole becomes polarized and in danger of disintegrating. At this stage, these communities risk isolating, harming, and destroying rather than fostering a sense of belonging.

As a result, it is crucial to constantly take care of and nurture the relationships we have with the people who matter to us, as well as to make an effort to make our communities stronger.

Neglect (such as failing to invest time in the relationship) and failing to resolve conflicts constructively are the two main obstacles to maintaining intimate relationships (thus letting problems fester until they are out of control). The secret to making your relationships fulfilling and supportive is to be proactive in maintaining them, even when you don't feel like it.

Spend time with your partner, kids, family, and friends regularly. The finest time to talk and have fun with someone is during a private, relaxed moment.

• Be present: Simply not being there with the people we love can be difficult in our hectic lives. It doesn't matter if they are distracted, reading their email while they are speaking, or overwhelmed with stress or anxieties that you are not present for them.
• Show your appreciation & recognition: Relationships are nourished by regular expressions of gratitude. Everyone needs to be recognized and nurtured in personal relationships, whether this takes the form of simple words of gratitude to an important colleague, a present to an important friend, tenderness with your partner, or a comforting embrace for a child.
• Compassionate Listening: Of all the communication skills, listening is the most crucial. Connecting with someone is mostly dependent on taking the time to comprehend their perspective.
• Learn to communicate: When one person fails to express their wants and key concerns, or when they do, they do so in an aggressive, explosive, or disrespectful manner, relationships suffer. The second most crucial communication skill is learning how to speak politely and confidently.
• Express regret and provide forgiveness: In all close relationships, there will be disappointment and instances of harm. Maintaining connections through difficult times requires taking responsibility for your actions, apologizing when you have wounded someone, and moving on and forgiving when you have been hurt.

Think for a moment about the most significant interpersonal connections in your life right now. Do you currently have any strained relationships? Exist any that might gain from some nurturing? If so, decide to take action to make things better.

For instance:

• Take the time to call a friend you haven't spoken to in a while,
• Express your gratitude to a coworker who helped you out with a card or email.
• Decide to give a family member with whom you disagree.
• Express your regret to a family member you may have insulted.
• Make it a habit to read to your child before they go to sleep.

Think about the most significant communities and organizations you currently belong to in your life (or ones you would like to belong to). Consider how you can participate, interact more, and assume leadership in these groups.

Make the decision to go out and meet people if you feel lonely and lack numerous community and supportive connections. Connect with family members, get in touch with old acquaintances, and join new groups that meet your needs and desires as well as your passions and interests.

To build good and effective bonding and enhance your love quotient seek professional consultation with the best "clinical psychologist near me" at TalktoAngel  India’s No. 1 online counselling and digital health wellbeing platform and connect with the Best Psychologist in India, Online counsellors, and Online Psychiatrists talk about your relationship issues.

Contributions by: Dr (Prof) R K Suri, Clinical Psychologist & Relationship Coach & Ms. Aditi Bhardwaj