3 words

just a macro shot on one of the miniature house display in Seri Costa Hotel in Malacca.

Date taken: 05 oct 2007.

There are many things that we can do to perk up and
strengthen our interpersonal relationships. Yet the
most effective involves the saying of just three
words. When spoken or conveyed, these statements have
the power to forge new friendships, deepen old ones
and restore relationships that have cooled.

The following three-word phrases can enrich every
relationship.

I'll be there.

If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of
the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when
your car has broke down some miles from home, you will
know how good it feels to hear the phrase "I'll be
there."

Being there for another person is the greatest gift we
can give. When we are truly present for other people,
important things happen to them and us. We are renewed
in love and friendship. We are restored emotionally
and spiritually. Being there is at the very core of
civility.

I miss you.

Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened
if couples simply and sincerely said to each other "I
miss you." This powerful affirmation tells partners
they are wanted, needed, desired and loved. Consider
how ecstatic you would feel, if you received an
unexpected phone call from your spouse in the middle
of your workday, just to say "I miss you."

I respect you.

Respect is another way of showing love. Respect
conveys the feeling that another person is a true
equal. If you talk to your children as if they were
adults you will strengthen the bonds and become close
friends.

This applies to all interpersonal relationships.

Maybe you're right.

This phrase is highly effective in diffusing an
argument and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side
to "maybe your right" is the humility of admitting,

"maybe I'm wrong".

Let's face it. When you have a heated argument with
someone, all you do is cement the other person's point
of view. They, or you, will not change their stance
and you run the risk of seriously damaging the
relationship between you. Saying "maybe you're right"
can open the door to further exploration of the
subject, in which you may then have the opportunity to
get your view across in a more rational manner.

Please forgive me.

Many broken relationships could be restored and healed
if people would admit their mistakes and ask for
forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to faults,
foibles and failures. A man should never be ashamed to
own up that he has been in the wrong, which is saying,
in other words, that he is wiser today than he was
yesterday.

I thank you.

Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who
enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are
those who don't take daily courtesies for granted.
They are quick to thank their friends for their
many expressions of kindness. On the other hand,
people whose circle of friends is severely constricted
often do not have the attitude of gratitude.

Count on me.

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.
Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true
friendship; it is the emotional glue that bonds
people. Those that are rich in their relationships
tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles
come, a good friend is there indicating "you can count
on me."

Let me help.

The best of friends see a need and try to fill it.
When they spot a hurt they do what they can to heal
it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.

I understand you.

People become closer and enjoy each other more if they
feel the other person accepts and understands them.
Letting your spouse know in so many little ways that
you understand them, is one of the most powerful tools

for healing your relationship. This applies to any
relationship.

Go for it.

We are all unique individuals. Don't try to get your
friends to conform to your ideals. Support them in
pursuing their interests, no matter how weird they
seem to you. Everyone has dreams, dreams that are
unique to that person only. Support and encourage your
friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to "go for
it."

I love you.

Perhaps the most important three words that you can
say. Telling someone that you truly love them
satisfies person's deepest emotional needs.

The need to belong, to feel appreciated and to be
wanted. Your spouse, your children, your friends and
you, all need to hear those three little words. "I
love you."