2 Minute Relationship Game Changer!

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Devote the first 120 seconds (2 MINUTES) to every encounter (yes, this especially includes your spouse or children) to positive interaction. Smile, acknowledge an accomplishment, share anything good in your day or ask them what is going well in their day. Do not bring up anything stormy. This lays the foundation for the other person to receive the stormy comments or topics in a welcoming way.

Case in point:  While working at the shed, my husband pulls in to visit. He approaches and says "Why did you pull up so far on the grass?" This one little question "tipped" my reception of him in the wrong direction. My first thought "Why did you even come here?". I proceeded to call him "negative" and seconds later he was gone. 20 seconds into the arrival, it was a complete FAIL. Imagine now that he had only waited 2 minutes. A lot of connection can happen in two minutes. "It looks like you are getting a lot done," "How's your day going?", or perhaps just share a funny story.

That two minutes alone can set the foundation to receive statements like "Did you pay the electric bill today," "Are you making progress on the science project?" or even "Why didn't you...."

Bottom line:

• Care and connect first (opens the ability to receive)
• Correct or problem solve after the connection is established

Implementation tips:

1. Focus: Implement the strategy with one relationship(when you see the benefits, you will naturally begin to apply it elsewhere). 
2. Patience: While you may be committed to the strategy, your target may ruin the two minutes. You are only in control of your words.
3. Communication: Get your person on board to commit to it with you to.
4. Grace: Let yourself or your person "off the hook" when you back slide and forge on!

It's no different that making sure there is a dial tone before you call a number. If you just dial, you get nothing on the other end. The call is dead, just like the conversation!

Are you connecting to the dial tone before you call? Sometimes I do and sometimes I just start dialing and never truly connect!

Did this work for you? Share your trials below to help us grow!

Cindy