- Trust is the crust
Be trustworthy. The Prophet (sa) was known as the ‘trustworthy one’, even by his enemies. Be honest and follow through on your words with your actions; don’t backbite as it quickly erodes the trust.
- Invest with love
Focus on giving instead of taking. Invest in the relationship without keeping count, or expecting anything back from the other person. Instead, expect your reward from Allah (swt), and Allah (swt) will put Barakah in the relationship.
- You feel, I feel
Show empathy. Step into the other person’s shoes, and show them with your words and actions that you understand how they feel. When the other person feels understood by you, it will break down many barriers and take your connection to another level.
- Bridge the gap
Communicate with authenticity. Make it safe for you and the other person to speak openly with each other at all times. Doing this respectfully will massively improve your connection, and also reduce any resentments and misunderstandings that would have otherwise built up.
- To err is human, forgiveness is divine
Expect that others will make mistakes. On one occasion, the wife of the Prophet (sa) became jealous and broke a plate; he reacted with patience and forgiveness. Accept that the other person is human, just like you. And, treat them how you’d like to be treated.
- Pop the love balloon
Give what the other person needs. Each person feels loved through different things, whether that’s through kind words, gifts or quality time. Find out what the other person’s love language is and fill them up with it.
- Dua for others means you care
Truly care about the person. Show concern for their Dunya and Akhirah. This also means that maybe times you need to give them advice that is difficult for them to hear. Make Dua for them and trust in Allah (swt).
May Allah (swt) give me and you the Tawfeeq to implement these tips. Ameen.
Transcribed for hiba by Saneya Qadir
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