Years ago someone shared an article with me titled “Only 3 Words” that reads as follows:
“There are many things that you can do to strengthen your relationships. Often the most effective thing you can do involves saying just three words…The following three-word phrases can be tools to help develop every relationship.
1.Let me help
Good friends see a
need and then try to fill it. When they see a hurt they do what they can to
heal it. Without being asked, they jump in and help out.
2. I understand you.
People become closer
and enjoy each other more when 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. And this
can apply to any relationship.
3. I respect you
Respect is another way of showing love. Respect demonstrates 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 closer friends. This applies to all interpersonal relationships.
4. I miss you.
Perhaps more marriages could be saved and strengthened 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
important 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.”
5. Maybe you’re right.
This phrase is very
effective in diffusing an argument. The implication when you say “maybe
you’re right” is the humility of admitting, “maybe I’m wrong”.
Let’s face it. When you have an argument with someone, all you
normally do is solidify the other person’s point of view. They, or you, will
not likely change their position and you run the risk of seriously
damaging the relationship between you. Saying “maybe you’re right” can
open the door to explore the subject more. You may then have the
opportunity to express your view in a way that is understandable to the other
person.
6. 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 he has been in the
wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he
was yesterday.
7. 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.
8. 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.”
9. 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.
10. 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 far out they seem to you. God has given everyone dreams, dreams that are unique to that person only. Support and encourage your friends to follow their dreams. Tell them to “go for it.”
B o n u s : 11. I love you
Perhaps the most important three words that you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a 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.” Love is a choice. You can love even when the feeling is gone. ”
I don’t know who wrote that article or where the person who shared it with me years ago came across it but I do know that its awesome! Amazing how just three little word phrases can impact our relationships in such a positive way. And may I suggest a #12 that could be added to the list?
#12. YOU ARE AWESOME! 🙂
~Amy Rees Anderson (author of the book “What Awesome Looks Like: How To Excel in Business & Life” )
1 Comment
My most powerful 3 words are
I Trust YOU..