Tips to Improve Your Relationships

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Bridge the gap. Communicate with authenticity. Make it safe for you and the other person to speak openly at all times. Doing this respectfully will massively improve your connection and also reduce any resentments and misunderstandings that would have otherwise built up.

5. 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. Treat them how you would like to be treated.

6. Pop the love balloon. Give what the other person needs. Each person feels loved through different things, whether that is through kind words, gifts or quality time. Find out what the other person’s love language is and fill them up with it.

7. 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, which may be difficult for them to hear. Make Dua for them and trust in Allah (swt).

Transcribed by Saneya Qadir