three words

Here are some three-word phrases that can mend and heal relationships, cement further and/or nurture relationships…

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 broken 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 strengthen 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. It 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 you’re 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 explore 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 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 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 is “I love you”. Telling someone that you truly love him/her satisfies the 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”.

(Forwarded by a friend through e-mail)

What can I say?

Words are powerful…
They can lift or ruin a person’s spirit. We know very well that actions speak louder than words, but actions alone are not enough. There is an ingredient missing when thoughts are not put into words. Most of the time there is a need to verbalize whatever we have inside.

Words are comforting…
They can put at ease a grieving heart and pacify a troubled mind. We don’t need to be wordy or poetic, just a sincere thought of simple words can nurse a broken soul.

Words are empowering…
They can propel someone to action. They can even change a person’s outlook in life. Words do make a difference.

Words are inspiring…
They can create a positive feeling, a natural booster and a welcoming atmosphere. Just remember the words your parents and loved ones say to you and you’ll see how their words made you grow and blossom as a person.