25 Heartfelt Ways to Strengthen Your Relationships in 2025
Happy New Year!
As strongly as we believe in preparing yourself and family for “what-if”, it’s equally important to love and connect with your friends and loved ones in the here and now. That is a New Year’s resolution that Katie and I have for 2025. As Barbara Bush once said, “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.”
With that in mind, here are 25 ways Katie and I hope to love, forgive, and encourage more in 2025.
Express gratitude directly. Don’t assume they know how much you appreciate them and how they’ve helped you.
Send thank you notes. Even after you’ve expressed gratitude directly, a good old-fashioned thank you card in the mail still carries a lot of meaning.
Arrange for more in-person connections. Technology connections can come across as impersonal while in-person visits build a stronger bond.
Acknowledge growth and success and celebrate small wins. Personal shout-outs for both meaningful and minor accomplishments show that you’re paying attention.
Listen to understand, not to respond. “Empathic listening”, as Stephen Covey explains in 7 Habits of Highly Successful People, provides deeper understanding and connection.
Ask deeper questions beyond “How are you?” If you want a more interesting answer than “Fine”, you have to ask more interesting questions. Examples might include “What’s been the highlight of your week?” or “What are you looking forward to most in the next couple months?”
Take them treats just because. Bonus points if you take something they enjoy.
Reach out at random times just to say hi. Connecting without an agenda suggests genuine love and friendship.
Share an article or social media post that might be meaningful to them.
Place notes of love and encouragement in random places like their car, purse, or tucked inside a book. Smiles are guaranteed when the notes are found.
Provide some type of unsolicited service for them. Do their chores, wash their car, or rake their leaves. Nothing says “I care” more than giving of yourself.
Offer to introduce them to others. If you have a connection with someone who could help your loved one with a challenge they’re facing, ask the loved one if they’d like an introduction.
Occasionally surprise them by setting aside a personal activity for quality time. For example, instead of going to the gym, have breakfast with your loved one.
Take the initiative to mend a rift. Burying the hatchet can often create a stronger bond than what existed before the rift.
Forgive easily when wronged. Most people don’t intentionally set out to hurt others. Choose to forgive, not to hold a grudge. Forgiveness may take time, but going through the process will bring more peace to the relationship.
Participate in an activity they enjoy but you don’t. This shows interest in their world, and with their perspective you might come to like the activity.
Connect with old friends. Reconnecting after time and distance split you up shows that your friendship is genuine.
Be fully present. Put away distractions when interacting with loved ones (phone, TV, etc.)
Use their name and look them in the eye when talking to them. This shows respect and confidence in your relationship.
Be patient and give grace. You never know what they might be going through.
If you disagree, ask genuine questions to better understand their point of view.
Allow them to serve you if they offer. Being vulnerable and accepting help from others shows trust and mutual respect.
Learn their love language. Knowing how they connect best makes growing a relationship easier.
Create new memories together. Traveling, taking a class, or exercising together can create lasting bonds.
Verbalize your love. Sometimes those you love need to hear the words.
What other ways do you love and feel loved? Let us know by sending us a note here: https://www.affairsinorder.com/contact
Happy New Year!
Corey
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