5 Ways to Keep Your Relationships Simple

I'd like to pose a question: How important are relationships to your business? Relationships are everywhere we look; in business, society and personal areas of our lives they are what make and break our interactions between others and ourselves and often, they are very complex in nature.

However, there are a few caveats I like to apply to relationships that I think can keep things simple for us all.

1. Surround yourself with good people.

In general, whether in business or pleasure, you'll do well to bring into your life those who uplift and cultivate your passion and talents. This is true of your business when you find those loyal customers and vendors who share your passion for why you do what you do and they support and share it with others through the most powerful of advertising: word of mouth.

2. Do unto others...

While this is a most popular belief that has its roots in so many of our world religions, I find it to be among the best practices when it comes to any relationship. Often some of the most ridiculous misunderstandings come from people thinking how different we are, when really we're fundamentally the same. In other words, we all need that pat on the back, a 'Thank you' or a 'Wow, you must be overwhelmed, is there anything I can do?" We all hurt, need praise, deserve thanks and at the end of the day we take our socks off one foot at a time. So next time an issue arises, think how you'd feel if you were in that person's position and act accordingly.

3. Stand up for yourself.

It's a difficult thing for some of us to speak up about our achievements and talents. But you have to understand how blind we are as humans, it takes us several impressions to retain information and make it relevant to our lives. This is why advertisers spend billions a year on adverts that will play over and over until we recognize their name and their product in a positive way. It's the same with us and our small businesses-share what you do well in a humble but proud manner and do it often. People will eventually take notice.

4. Don't let someone else's bad day ruin your good one.

We can't help it, we're affected by others' moods, attitudes, words and more. But when a person comes around with a bad attitude, a bad situation or just downright nastiness, it's important to remember it's their issue, not yours. Keep things in perspective with a few quiet moments of thought. Think about your positive goals and a relaxing scenario. Focus on something that you've been looking forward to like the weekend or your kid's birthday and let all of the negative wash away.

5. It's easier to repair than it is to rebuild.

As with tangible property, a relationship is often easier to touch up when a part breaks down than it is to start over and rebuild. Don't let small things that may be an issues grow into larger ones by not communicating. Address issues as they come up and then move on. If it's something you did, know when to swallow your pride and make up. If it's not your fault, apologize anyway. Being the bigger person shows maturity and enlightenment and will serve you well through life. Besides, what do you get out of being right 50 years from now? Those who care about you will understand that you're trying to fix something that may have gone a little sour. And what if they don't see it your way? See rule #4.

So, while relationships are often complex by nature, these few rules to live by may help you to smooth over those little kinks and give you a new perspective to keep in mind whether in new or long-term relationships. And the most important caveat to live by: we're only human and life is fleeting, make the best of it.