Top Tips Tuesday with Toni Barrett

THE POWER OF POSITIVE PEER RELATIONSHIPS

Positive peer relationships can be perceived as the display of the positive traits and qualities of a good friend to someone, and the action being returned to you. The term does not guarantee positivity throughout the entire relationship but allows room for positive growth amongst negative circumstances. Positive peer relationships are crucial in the early years of our lives as they pave the way for other relationships in the future. The following tips should help with encouraging positive peer relationships between/among individuals.

Be honest- relationships thrive on honesty. Honesty leaves no elephant in the room and it does not harbor an atmosphere of lies. Telling the truth at all times encourages growth within a friendship. It provides clearer understanding between friends and fortifies trust between them.

Maintain trust- having a positive peer relationship automatically involves you trusting the other person. We must understand that individuals crave consistency and commitment which goes hand in hand with trust. Maintaining trust builds stronger bonds and solidifies a lifetime of friendship.

Show consideration- being friends does not justify your need to cross boundaries. Being considerate means that you think about your friends and how your actions may affect them. Showing consideration within friendships proves that you are not self-centered and that you care for your friend and not just yourself.

Be dependable- there is nothing greater in this world than having a friend you can count on. Being dependable does not mean you have to be there for every occasion but being there for the most important ones. Make sure that you listen to your friends about the things that are important to them and be there when they need you. After all, a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Have a willingness to forgive- this is the act of letting go feelings of resentment towards anyone based on something they have said or done. In a friendship forgiveness is essential as it shows that you understand that the other individual is human who can falter based on their imperfections. Be wise to discern the actions of a friend seeking your forgiveness, less you do not forget that one day you’ll need the same mercy from them or someone else.

Positive peer relationships can and never will have an expiration date because we all need a good friend at some point in our lives. Let us practice to display the good qualities of a friend as our behavior will inspire those around and those looking on.

IG: @_always.laugh