zandax online course logo
 
 
 
 
zandax 10 year anniversary
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home   >  ZandaX Blogs   >  Business Blog   >  Relationships Articles   > 
The 7 Ingredients Needed in all Successful Relationships

The 7 Ingredients Needed in all Successful Relationships

 
Building productive relationships
All relationships need certain ingredients in order to prosper and succeed. This article highlights 7 essential elements for success.
 
Article author: Ashley Andrews
      Written by Ashley Andrews
       (6-minute read)
Relationships, eh? They're tough sometimes. It doesn't matter whether they're platonic, romantic, professional or familial. Every human relationship since the dawn of time has had its rocky moments.

There's some comfort in that. If you're struggling to connect with a person, or you've made mistakes in how you treat someone who's important to you... you're not alone. (Even though it might feel that way now, especially if you've just fallen out with them).

Here's more good news – you can fix your relationships.

And better yet, this article is going to give you the perfect recipe to do it.



Because building a successful relationship isn't rocket science. It's actually much more like preparing a meal. Put the right things in, and you'll have something satisfying to share at the end.
But having said that, there's more you should avoid doing too, so you can also further your progress after implementing these 7 ingredients by looking at some proper training on building relationships.)

So, here's our recipe: the 7 ingredients in every successful relationship!

They'd probably not make much of a meal, to be honest – but start sprinkling them into your daily life, and they're sure to put new zing into your relationships: at work, at home and with friends.

So let's get preparing!

1. Bread (for Breaking)

Share and be open
To build a strong bond with someone, you must be willing to open up and show them who you truly are. You have to share the things that are most important and personal to you.

The ancient ritual of breaking bread isn't just about sharing food. It's a leveler, cutting through the superficial things we project like status, pride, and  even good manners.

When you share things like your biggest fears and passions, you're placing trust in the other person. That builds their trust in you, and your relationship can start to grow.

Of course, you don't do this right away: it would be a bit scary if you suddenly blurted out your worst fears on a first meeting!  But over time, based on both parties doing it slowly, it's how relationships usually develop.

2. Meat and Potatoes

Be dependable
It's basic. It's solid. It can sustain you through a cold winter. And it's still around when fancier foods are scarce. That's why calling someone "meat and potatoes" is a way of stressing their dependability. And that's why we've got it in our relationship recipe.



The key to a strong relationship is being able to rely on each other. So make sure you're there for your colleagues and those you care about. Arrive on time. Do what you said you would. Be supportive. It all counts.

Prove you won't let people down, be reliable and trustworthy, and your relationships will prosper.

3. A Plate of Crow

Admit when you're wrong
In case you're not familiar with it, the term "eating crow" means to humbly admit you were wrong after taking a strong – and unfortunately wrong – stance on something. It's said to originate from the opinion that crows are undesirable birds and their meat is tough and bitter.  Which illustrates how unpleasant it can be to own up to a mistake...

Why is that important? Because honesty is important.
But some people never admit they're wrong. They're too proud, or ashamed, or pig-headed. And their relationships suffer, because everyone else can see the truth, and they lose respect.
Don't be like that. Admit when you're wrong and you'll see the benefits.

Of course, don't do it at every opportunity. People like honesty, but not so much an idiot.

Want to Build Better Relationships?


If you'd like to learn more about building relationships, why not take a look at how we can help?

Boost your interpersonal skills with our online courses.
RRP from $89 – limited time offer just $12.99



4. A Gobstopper

Listen!
Yes, it's important to say what's on your mind. But remember – a relationship is a two-way street. And one of the best ways to show you care about someone is to listen to their problems, their dreams, and their silly stories if they want to tell them.

So stick a gobstopper in your mouth once in a while, and just listen. It's a great way to build a successful relationship.

5. Sugar, Spice and All Things Nice

Be sweet, at least once in a while...
You shouldn't be surprised to hear this, but being nice to people is pretty important if you want to build strong relationships with them.

Even if your relationship is built on banter, friendly rivalry and pranks, you still need to remind people how much you like them – and often.

Give a present. Give a compliment. Prepare a meal (a real one!) if that's your thing. Your relationships will flourish.

6. A Dash of Hot Sauce

Be fun and unpredictable
Remember those dependable meat and potatoes we talked about earlier? Well, you wouldn't want to eat them at every meal, would you?

Try adding a bit of chili to the main course, or a yummy dessert afterwards – in other words, a bit of fun!



Yep, even the oldest school pals need to put effort into keeping their friendship fresh. Otherwise, you risk drifting apart.

So, make the effort to be funny in conversation if you can. Take up, or even highlight, unusual points of view in a discussion. Maybe plan (or suggest) unusual trips and nights out every so often You can even be unpredictable now and again to liven things up. Your friends, co-workers and loved ones will want you around even more.

7. Your Own Self

Be present
The final and most vital ingredient your relationships need is you. By this we mean not just physically being there – but really being present in the moment.

Let's put this a better way. Sometimes, when people become too comfortable in a relationship, they stop making the kind of effort they used to. Their priorities change. Deep in their subconscious, they decide it's better to look at their phone or daydream than give their full attention.

Some people don't even make the effort at the start of a relationship - though maybe their relationships never really get started.

This kind of careless behavior is hurtful. It makes people feel under-valued, or that they must be boring. It will ruin your relationships.

So be prepared - always - to give your relationships your full attention ... to be "there" in every conversation.  Even if it's an email or text message.

The Ingredients You Need

They're all within you!  So always remember to...
• Be present
• Be fun
• Be dependable
• Be sweet
• Be honest
• Be open and trusting
• Be a listener
• And Be yourself

You will already have a long list of excellent qualities, whether in personality, ability, intelligence, empathy, and so on, which will help you develop successful relationships and strong bonds.  The ingredients we list here are ways to project yourself (and your qualities) and make your relationships stronger now and in the future.

You don't need to change who you are. You just need to remember how to give the very best of yourself, to the people who are most important to you.

So whether you're building, rekindling or repairing a relationship, good luck. We hope it turns out beautifully!

Want to Build Better Relationships?


If you'd like to learn more about building relationships, why not take a look at how we can help?

Boost your interpersonal skills with our online courses.
RRP from $89 – limited time offer just $12.99



Links for more information on relationships:

Building Relationships:
Learn how simple changes in the way you relate to others will make you (and those around you) happier and more motivated to succeed

Test: Likeable Person Test:
Get your likeability score and your personalized report with points for action

Course: How To Be More Likeable:
Here's How to Be a More Likeable Person!

Course: Improving Your Social Skills:
Improve Your Social Skills and Reap the Rewards!

More Articles on Relationships

A Woman's Route To Being More Likable
A Woman's Route To Being More Likable
Kerry Watts
Author: Kerry Watts
About the article
Summary
In this article, we take a look at a woman’s route to being more likable and share with you some important tips for making it happen.
[ close ]
The 3 Components of Social Skills That Every Woman Should Know
The 3 Components of Social Skills That Every Woman Should Know
Kerry Watts
Author: Kerry Watts
About the article
Summary
In this article we look at how a woman may feel uncomfortable in company, and how to overcome this using three components of social skills
[ close ]
7 Reasons Why You Need To Improve Your Social Skills
7 Reasons Why You Need To Improve Your Social Skills
Riley Mitchell
Author: Riley Mitchell
About the article
Summary
Are you aware that maybe your social skills are lacking, and want a bit of guidance? In this article, we show you just how important this is
[ close ]
The 5 Hidden Secrets of Being More Likeable
The 5 Hidden Secrets of Being More Likeable
Ronnie Peterson
Author: Ronnie Peterson
About the article
Summary
From forming stronger relationships to gaining respect, the advantages of likeability are formidable! So we show you how to be more likeable
[ close ]
The Need To Be More Likeable
The Need To Be More Likeable
Riley Mitchell
Author: Riley Mitchell
About the article
Summary
Likeability can be a passport to greater success. Here, we show you the key factors in being more likeable and moving towards a better life.
[ close ]
How Good Time Management Can Improve Your Relationships
How Good Time Management Can Improve Your Relationships
Ronnie Peterson
Author: Ronnie Peterson
About the article
Summary
Poor time management can significantly hurt your relationships. In this article we look at how good time management can improve a relationship.
[ close ]
How a Training Course Changed My Life
How a Training Course Changed My Life
John B
Author: John B
About the article
Summary
Training courses in new areas provide people with new opportunities in many areas. Here we look at how your life can change after training.
[ close ]
How to Be More Likeable by Being Less of a Bully
How to Be More Likeable by Being Less of a Bully
Riley Mitchell
Author: Riley Mitchell
About the article
Summary
Many of those struggling to make friends are behaving in a bullying manner, unknowingly. This looks at how ending this will make you friends.
[ close ]
How to Reduce Your Stress by Improving Your Relationships
How to Reduce Your Stress by Improving Your Relationships
Riley Mitchell
Author: Riley Mitchell
About the article
Summary
If you constantly suffer from stress, it can be that your relationships are the cause. Here's how healthy relationships help to reduce stress.
[ close ]
8 Key Factors in All Successful Relationships
8 Key Factors in All Successful Relationships
Ronnie Peterson
Author: Ronnie Peterson
About the article
Summary
There are 8 key factors present in all strong relationships. Ensure that you have all 8 in place to ensure your relationships are strong.
[ close ]
The 7 Bricks to Build a Strong Relationship
The 7 Bricks to Build a Strong Relationship
Ronnie Peterson
Author: Ronnie Peterson
About the article
Summary
7 key elements in all strong relationships are looked at here, and why you should include them to build your own strong relationships.
[ close ]
Five Simple Tricks for Building Better Relationships
Five Simple Tricks for Building Better Relationships
John B
Author: John B
About the article
Summary
This article looks at 5 ways that you can ensure that your relationships that you build are strong, enduring ones, that are going to last.
[ close ]
 

Write for us on the ZandaX blog

We're always looking for guest contributors to increase the variety and diversity of what we present.

Click to see how you can write for us:

 

The ZandaX Business Skills blog categories

Click a panel to visit the main category pages for the blog
Career Success
Career Success
Marketing
Marketing
Presentation Skills & Public Speaking
Presentation Skills & Public Speaking
Customer Service
Customer Service
Microsoft Software
Microsoft Software

ZandaX Blog Contents

Want to see them all? Click to view a full list of articles in our blogs.

 
zandax online courses logo
"ZandaX courses are such great value, and with the help and support they give, there's no better option in the market"
ZandaX LinkedIn logo
ZandaX YouTube logo
ZandaX FaceBook logo
Course Categories
 
All content © ZandaX 2024