With the COVID-19 pandemic infiltrating every aspect of American life, all of us have had reason to question the things we have come to rely on to give us feelings of security. Emotionally, one of the most impactful aspects of our security comes from appreciation. Feeling genuinely appreciated and valued increases our sense of confidence, no matter what we face.
When there are strained relationships, one of the most common underlying features is that one or both persons involved feel that their value is at risk. There is an underlying fear that they are not good enough, that they are not needed, or that they have no worth. This nagging question leads us to try to control other people in ways that destroy our relationships because we are trying to force them to recognize our value and give us the approval we seek.
Consistent acts of appreciation and encouragement is like a maintenance plan for your relationships and self-confidence. These acts reinforce the bedrock of your most important relationships by establishing trust and respect between you and those closest to you. If you have not built something into your day-to-day interactions that reaffirms your value, respect and trust in one another,
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