The Keys to Better Interpersonal Relationships

The keys to better interpersonal relationship: a group of young people harmoniously working on a laptop, aggiestrong logo

I think it is safe to say that we all want to experience great relationships—that's a given, right?... Be it at work, at school, at home, in the bedroom, or in the social arenas of life. This is something we all crave—better relationships on any level to a greater or lesser degree.

Understanding of Humanity

Having great relationships is the essence of our happiness and humanity. Why? Because we were not created to be alone. From the beginning of time, God saw and said that it was not good for man to be alone so He made a helpmate for him.

• Why then do we have so much trouble getting along with each other? 
• Why do we toy with each other’s feelings and emotions?

Is it because we lack the understanding that, despite the fact, we are all humans, we are vastly different?

• That we don't think the same way. 
• That we act and react to different situations differently, depending on our upbringing, genetics, biochemical, environmental and psychosocial factors which make our personality.

The more we make an effort to understand humanity in its vastness, the better our relationships will be. We are all creatures of habits who are controlled by laws. We all have the same basic needs. Some people are driven by extrinsic needs: fear and earthly rewards; while some are driven by intrinsic needs: love and heavenly rewards. All things must come to an end. Here is a look at how the four fundamental laws, according to St. Peter's List:

The Four Laws/credit: St. Peter's List

Change In Perspective

Think of a person you are having a hard time getting along with.... A person who brushed you the wrong way, physically or spiritually.... what would your natural reaction be?


Now, imagine living in a world where everyone gets along and lives in perfect harmony.... Imagine being able to understand and accept that person for who he or she is.... Being in that person's position.... Being able to relate to him or her in such a way that it draws you closer together....

• What does that look like?... 
• What does it sound like?... 
• What does it feel like?... 
• Who are you becoming in this new realm of life?... 

Now, slowwwwly come back to your reality and ask yourself the following questions:

• What were some of the differences you noticed in the shift? 
• What surprised you the most? 
• How do you feel you could make a difference in your relationships now? 
• What feelings did the shift give you? 
• Do you think it is possible to have a better relationship with that someone? 
• What can you do today to take you one step closer to that vision?

Life Coaching

Suffice it to say, life coaching can really help a person figure out and understand how all of that really works, who you are and what makes others tick. In order for us to relate better to each other and help keep our own emotions in check, we need to support and foster each other until the behaviour we want to see is developed naturally, organically, and authentically. The bible says, let he amongst us without sin, cast the first stone. Can you do that?

This is what life coaching has done for me and can do for you, it can help you:

develop the skills and backbone to build strong interpersonal relationships by deepening your awareness and understanding of who you are as a person; thus, deepening your acceptance of others in the process.

Life coaching will give you the tools and resources to become more vulnerable, open, and sincere so that you can relate to others in such a way while supporting you in your new development. It will bring you to the realization that one person's strength is often another person's weakness and vice versa. That your so-called weaknesses are your greatest strengths, given the opportunity to foster them and channel them in the right direction.


You can have the best tool in the world, but until you realize that you have it and learn how to use it properly, it is just a deadly weapon to yourself and those you direct it towards. This is why life coaching works. It helps you realize what you've got and how to use it. It teaches self-acceptance and tolerance of differences. That though we are all the same biologically, we are vastly different in so many other ways: psychologically, physiologically, spiritually, mentally, sexually, as well as socio-economically. Not “better”, by any stretch of the imagination, just uniquely different.


If we all take this approach when we communicate our wants and needs to others, our overall relationships will be much improved, leading to healthier, happier lives. Henri Frederic Amiel once said,

“We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves.”

I could not agree with him more.

The more we learn to accept ourselves and others, and the less critical and judgmental we become of others and the better our relationships will be in the process.  And, the more well-rounded we will become individually, without violating or infringing on others' rights.


To that end, self-awareness, acceptance, and understanding of ourselves and others are the keys to better interpersonal relationships. Develop them and use them.

Until next time,
Be Blessed...Be Bold...Be Strong...Be You!
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Andrene Gregory is a life coach with certification in LifeSkills training and Personality Dimensions. She helps empower adults to live a strength-based life, regain their confidence and find the courage to get through life's challenging situations. Her unique approach to getting desired results includes personality assessment, self-knowledge, goal setting, and action planning.

Andrene provides one-on-one coaching and group workshops. Find out more at www.aggiestrongulc.com.