Last week we explored how empathy, giving your undivided attention and spending quality time together improve family bonds. This week we examine the key behaviors of being affectionate, thoughtful and quick to apologize.

 

Behavior Six – Be Affectionate

 

Express to your family how much they mean to you. Vocalize your affection for them. Hug them often. Show them you care in any way you can, as often as possible.

 

Behavior Seven – Be thoughtful

 

Being thoughtful will display that you want to make your family members lives the best they can be. If they are down buy them a coffee at a cafe, do the dishes if they are tired, remember the book they were excited about and buy it for them.

 

Behavior Eight – Be Quick to Apologize

 

We all do things which are regrettable from time to time. If you are angry really reflect on how you have behaved and think if there were better ways to have expressed yourself. As soon as you realize how you’ve contributed to the conflict, be quick to accept responsibility for your part and apologize.

 

Stay tuned – next week we look at the last two behaviors of being quick to forgive and, most importantly, being willing to compromise.

 

Do you consider yourself affectionate towards your family? What thoughtful things have you done for your family? Do you struggle to be quick to apologize? Please share your thoughts in the comments below to gain encouragement, insight and support from our community, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Exercises:

 

1. The next time you communicate with a family member vocalize your affection for them.
2. Think of one thoughtful thing you could do for your family and either book it in or do it this week.