We humans are very social creatures and socialising is very important to us. I strongly belive there is a real huge connection between building strong relationships, whether it's with family, friends, or someone special, our emotional well-being and our happiness depends on this special connections which enriches our lives, providing us with support and some sense of security. So, what's the secret to building these meaningful bonds?

□The number one secret to a strong relationship?

The secret to a strong and lasting relationship lies in striking the balance while preparing a special potion- a cocktail brewed with a unique blend of attitudes and behaviours, like being able to hold an effective and open communication, mixed with trust and honesty, keep staring continously while adding mutual respect, emotional intelligence and active listening, garnished with empathy and understanding, served either hot or cold in a bowel of shared values and interests, forgiving the unplasant taste it may have as long as you have the peace you need.

By carefully mixing the right proportion of these precious and rare ingredients into your daily life, you create an extremely potent love potion that holds and nurtures strong, more resilient relationships.

With a simple rule, you must continue applying this potion to keep the relationship strong. This special potion is locally called "Ibok ima"

□What is the function of active listening in this special love potion?

Active listening is a herb that grows in the derp dense forest and needs a lot of earwax to grow in a quiet environment with very few words.

When incorporated in this potion, it helps you grasp the other person's perspective, their thoughts, and feelings. As you look at them in the eyes with your lips shut and your head nodding periodically, showing empathy, which tells that you care.
It prevents misunderstandings and resolves disputes more effectively.

The rules of active listening includs, maintaining custome approprate amount of eye contact while avoiding interruptions. You only need to speak when paraphrasing, summarising, or asking clarifying questions, just to be sure. Your phone should not be a distraction..

_{^{Image from Pixabay.com...Actively pay attention}}

□Can a relationship survive without forgiveness?

A strong relationship needs forgiveness and can not survive without forgiveness.

Humans often make mistakes by their actions and inactions, there will be stepping on others' toes, and we will have to let go of resentment so as to heal from past hurts and move forward together, actions that would be difficult without forgiveness.

Without forgiveness, the relationships may become strained, leading to bitterness, resentment and a distance could be created between partners in the relationship.

However, the concept of forgiveness does not mean forgetting or condoning the hurtful behaviour of an abusive partner in the relationship. It's mostly about releasing some negative emotions and working towards healing and growth, gifting yourself real pace of mind.

_{^{Image from Pixabay.com...we all need forgiveness}}

□Common mistakes that weaken relationships over time?

"Communication-assumiside" is a common mistake that can weaken relationships over with the passing of time. This occurs when you think you know what your partner thinks, feels, or wants, without openly communicating and being sure. "Assumiside" can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and distance.

The absence of sufficient emotional validation. Often, partners, children and even parents want to be assured that they are loved and appreciated. Failure to confirm our love and to clearly state how much they mean to us can lead to problems in the relationship.

Failure to prioritise quality time together has ruined many relationships because the partners took each other for granted, did not show appreciation and gratitude.

Conclusion and Invitation

Maintaining a strong and healthy relationship requires a lot of effort from the diffrent parties involved. It sometimes demands a lot of small sacrifices and sometimes could call for the ultimate sacrifice.

I am inviting @ninapenda, @eliany and @josepha to participate in this contest.

Media Credit

Composer	@manuelhooks
Graphics from	Pixabay.com
Entry type	Community Contest
Organizer	@ruthjoe
Contest link	Click here
Community	Steem4Nigeria
Date	Tuesday.. 15th July
	(@) 2025