Give the Gifts Of Healthy Relationships And Effective Communication

Are you looking for a different kind of gift this year for the special people in your life?

Would you like to find something that won’t wear out, become obsolete, lose its value? Something that requires no cash outlay?

Then perhaps you would like to consider giving these significant individuals in your life a gift that only you can give and truly comes from your heart. The gifts I speak of come packaged as healthy relationships and effective communication.

The first gift is for your spouse. At the top of the package is the undivided attention that you will give in your conversations with him or her. Digging a little deeper into the package, your spouse will find your friendship and partnership. At the center of this package, the most cherished part of the gift is your total commitment to making him or her your No. 1 priority.

The next package is for your children. The articles in this package consist of good listening skills, willingness to set limits and boundaries, be consistent, show warmth and affection and give unconditional love, the biggest gift of all. You may not always approve of their attitude or behavior, but they know and understand that you love them in spite of their flaws and deficiencies.

The package for your parents consists of expressions of gratitude for the endless number of things they have done to help you in life, such as the love and nurturing they have provided and the sacrifices they have made for you. An extra hug, a phone call or a special card at Christmas completes this package.

The gift for your friends consists of willingness to be a good listener, showing your empathy when needed, and reaffirming that you will be available to them when the need arises.

Your employer’s gift is a strong message of gratitude for your job and assurances that you will give him or her your best effort. If you are an employer, the gift to your employees consists of good communication skills and your expression of appreciation to them for a job well done.

The final gift is to you. Self acceptance, good health habits, a sense of humor and the recognition that you are very special to many people and have touched the lives of others in ways that you may never know.

Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah.