Crandi

How To Build Stronger Relationships By Constructing Bridges Not Walls

Leo Migdal
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how to build stronger relationships by constructing bridges not walls

I once had a fear, which I called the fear of rejection. From a young age, I was always afraid of reaching out to people or forming close bonds because I was told I wasn't someone others saw as a friend. As I reflect, I see similar experiences in my workplace - colleagues and students subtly told they can't interact with some female colleagues. Remembering this reminds me of the pain and hurt I experienced and others likely experienced too. As a student, I believed I was unlikeable and would be rejected. I avoided forming bonds, thinking I was "proud" for not relating to others when really I was trying to protect myself from hurt by withdrawing.

I developed an inferiority complex, which is really a form of pride too. I felt lonely and always stayed indoors away from people. The truth is we all want connection. Recently, I experienced loneliness subjectively - though I had people around, I didn't feel part of them. But I was able to overcome it, and will share how. Help me reach more people - please share this post

Let's discuss - you and I agree relationships can be tough. I've heard friends say they lack strength for relationships after past emotional drains. When I refer to relationships, I mean friendships and romantic connections. Our friends at the Greater Good Science Center created a resource to help make courageous connections with others and to grow civil courage—what Greater Good defines as “brave behavior which is founded on an... It's about understanding that the people we often avoid based on appearance or perceived differences are individuals with rich stories and unique perspectives waiting to be discovered. Below are four key takeaways from the resource that we thought were especially powerful and timely.

The first step in building courageous connections is taking an honest look at ourselves. We all hold biases, conscious or unconscious, that shape how we interact with the world around us. Take a moment to think about the following: Are there individuals or groups of people whom you typically avoid? What stereotypes do you hold about them? Why do you avoid them?

Is it fear, discomfort, or simply a lack of familiarity? In a world that often feels fragmented, genuine connection is more valuable than ever. Whether it's within families, friendships, workplaces, or communities, relationships shape our lives in profound ways. IntroductionIn a world that often feels fragmented, genuine connection is more valuable than ever. Whether it's within families, friendships, workplaces, or communities, relationships shape our lives in profound ways. They can be a source of strength or strain, fulfilment or frustration.

The difference lies in how intentional we are about building and maintaining them. Strong, healthy relationships don't just happen—they are built. They require time, trust, compassion, and understanding. Like bridges, they connect us to others across gaps of misunderstanding, difference, and distance. When we invest in these bridges, we build a support system that can carry us through life's most challenging and most joyful moments. This publication explores the art of connection: why relationships matter, how to build trust, how to navigate conflict, and how to foster empathy and lasting bonds that enrich our lives and the lives of...

Click to watch or listen on YouTubeThe Importance of Strong RelationshipsHuman beings are wired for connection. From birth, we seek comfort, affirmation, and belonging. Research consistently shows that meaningful relationships contribute to emotional well-being, physical health, and even longevity. Yet, in the busyness of life, it's easy to neglect our connections.Why do strong relationships matter?• Emotional Support: Healthy relationships provide a safe space to express feelings, share burdens, and receive encouragement.• Resilience: People... Without it, walls go up, assumptions are made, and connections weaken. With it, relationships flourish—even through conflict and change.

But trust doesn't happen automatically. It must be earned, protected, and nurtured.How to build trust and foster communication: Relationships are the cornerstones of our lives. They provide us with love, support, and a sense of belonging. But nurturing healthy relationships takes effort and intention. Here's your guide to building strong, supportive connections that enrich your life and the lives of those around you.

Healthy relationships stand on several key pillars: Building Strong Connections: Strategies for Success Here are some practical strategies to cultivate positive relationships: Maintaining the Connection: A Long-Term Commitment To love and be loved—it’s what most of us desire in our most meaningful relationships. If you’re experiencing conflict in your romantic relationship, I know how exhausting and frustrating it can feel, especially when those disagreements seem to repeat themselves over and over.

Why do we fall into unhealthy patterns in our relationships, and how can we break free from them? In this first article of a four-part series, I’ll explain why these conflicts happen, and then I’ll offer insights on how to escape the cycle. A Real-Life Example: The Garage Conflict Linda asks her husband, Larry, to clean out the garage. He agrees, but as time passes, nothing changes. This isn’t the first time it’s happened.

It’s become a regular frustration. Linda feels exasperated. Why does she always have to be the responsible one? As she confronts him, anger and frustration bubble up. Larry apologizes, but nothing shifts. The tension only grows, and Linda feels powerless.

As a licensed relationship therapist with over 13 years of clinical experience in North Carolina and Virginia and a full EFT certification which takes years to obtain (took me over 7 years), I'm committed... People drift apart in relationships for various reasons. All kinds of life stuff like juggling demanding careers, parenting, taking care of aging parents, or dealing with health issues can create emotional distance and make intimacy in your relationship wane. I want to talk about something that comes up a lot with my clients in marriage counseling Raleigh NC, and I know some of my friends who have done couples therapy before also have... For those of you navigating relationships, I hope this insight will be helpful. In couples therapy Raleigh NC, I see couples struggle with misunderstandings, barriers, and walls built from years of unexpressed needs and unaddressed conflicts.

But here's the news: there are ways to dismantle these walls and replace them with bridges that strengthen your connection. Couples who have been in therapy for a while often feel that their communication outside of sessions doesn't measure up to what happens during those sessions. When they're in a marriage counseling session or marriage retreat in North Carolina, it's easier to communicate effectively because they have a third party there to guide the conversation and mediate. Yet, outside those sessions, couples often feel stuck, disconnected, and unable to repair their bond effectively. Why does this happen? Simply put, some couples struggle to reconnect or make meaningful repairs outside of counseling because, for genuine change to take root, new experiences must first happen within the therapy sessions.

These experiences aren't just important but essential for fostering the change couples want to see in their relationships.

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I once had a fear, which I called the fear of rejection. From a young age, I was always afraid of reaching out to people or forming close bonds because I was told I wasn't someone others saw as a friend. As I reflect, I see similar experiences in my workplace - colleagues and students subtly told they can't interact with some female colleagues. Remembering this reminds me of the pain and hurt I ex...

I Developed An Inferiority Complex, Which Is Really A Form

I developed an inferiority complex, which is really a form of pride too. I felt lonely and always stayed indoors away from people. The truth is we all want connection. Recently, I experienced loneliness subjectively - though I had people around, I didn't feel part of them. But I was able to overcome it, and will share how. Help me reach more people - please share this post

Let's Discuss - You And I Agree Relationships Can Be

Let's discuss - you and I agree relationships can be tough. I've heard friends say they lack strength for relationships after past emotional drains. When I refer to relationships, I mean friendships and romantic connections. Our friends at the Greater Good Science Center created a resource to help make courageous connections with others and to grow civil courage—what Greater Good defines as “brave...

The First Step In Building Courageous Connections Is Taking An

The first step in building courageous connections is taking an honest look at ourselves. We all hold biases, conscious or unconscious, that shape how we interact with the world around us. Take a moment to think about the following: Are there individuals or groups of people whom you typically avoid? What stereotypes do you hold about them? Why do you avoid them?

Is It Fear, Discomfort, Or Simply A Lack Of Familiarity?

Is it fear, discomfort, or simply a lack of familiarity? In a world that often feels fragmented, genuine connection is more valuable than ever. Whether it's within families, friendships, workplaces, or communities, relationships shape our lives in profound ways. IntroductionIn a world that often feels fragmented, genuine connection is more valuable than ever. Whether it's within families, friendsh...