I don't have very many close relationships.

With age, I've learned that investing in the right relationships is important.

"Without relationships, we are dead to the world - or dead."
- Richard Koch

Developing the right relationships comes down to communication.

Regardless of whether you are dealing with friends, family, work colleagues, or partners.

Learning how to communicate enables you to build lasting relationships. The better you communicate, the deeper your connection.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people, that are not very good at communicating.

They prefer to talk rather than listen.

Other than communication, people struggle to build lasting relationships because:

• They're quick to judge;

• They don't pay attention;

• They prioritize the phone; and

• They don't say what they mean.

However, you can take simple and effective steps to improve your relationships.

Here are 3 simple and effective steps that will help:

Step 1: Active Listening

Make a conscious effort to hear the complete message being communicated.

Do this by paying careful attention to the person you're talking to. Take the time to answer thoughtfully and without judgment.

Step 2: It's not who you know but how you treat them

Happiness doesn't come from having lots of relationships. It comes from nurturing the right relationships.

A small number of our relationships account for a large proportion of our emotional value. They require work.

However, if you treat these relationships well, they will treat you well.

Step 3: Don't be so sensitive

A key to dealing with people is to remember that what they think isn’t important.

Unless people tell you what they think, how do you know what they are thinking? There is no reason to be sensitive when you're dealing with other people until you know what they are thinking.

They have their own shit to deal with. To find out what people are thinking, ask them.