A simple way to enjoy a happier and more abundant social life is to put some effort into making people feel good.
Many people get so caught up thinking they have to rack up some accomplishments, get into better shape, become a person of high value, and more — just to give themselves permission to reach out and connect with others. None of that is necessary. That’s putting the focus on yourself, where you’ll only swirl around in endless circles of self-doubt. You’ll never feel prepared with that approach. You’ll never be done. You’ll just keep coming up with more reasons why you aren’t ready. Your goal will always be six more months away.
If someone wants me to like them, all they need to do is ask me, “What can I do to make you feel good right now?” I’ll tell them. Suppose they do something that makes me feel good, I’ll be happy and I have them to thank for it.
Do I care if they exercise for two hours a day to stay in shape? Do I care what color their skin is? None of those things matter to me. If they make me feel good when I’m with them, of course I’m going to like them.
Alternatively, they can try to impress me instead. They can talk about their education and career ambitions. She can talk about their previous relationship and how much they worshiped them.
And I may very well be impressed. I’ll think, Wow… this person really has his or her life on track.
Then I’ll excuse myself and go sit with the one who did something to make me feel good… or the one who tells funny stories and makes me laugh.
Why ever leave a relationship? You and/or your partner stop making each other feel good. Either you stop learning what makes each other feel good, or you stop doing what you know.
How could you reignite a broken relationship? Ask your partner what you can do to make him/her feel good, and start doing those things every day. Tell your partner how to make you feel good, and ask him/her to start doing some of those things every day. If either of you doesn’t honor this commitment, let go and find someone else who will synergize with you.
You may encounter people who want you to do things that don’t feel good to you. There’s no need to make sacrifices. Find something you’re willing to give, and then look for people who will appreciate what you enjoy giving.
Some people love buying gifts for each other. Some love to verbally express encouragement and appreciation. Some love touch and affection.
Don’t force yourself to give in ways that don’t feel good to you. Instead, seek out people who enjoy and appreciate a style of giving and receiving that’s compatible with yours.
If you aren’t making your partner feel good, then you’re more likely to feel jealous and possessive since there’s a chance your partner will eventually meet someone else who does make him/her feel good. And where will that leave you? Why should someone remain loyal to a partner who doesn’t make them feel good?
But if you know how to make your partner feel good, and you do those things regularly, then what is there to worry about? You know that your partner has good reason to keep returning to you.
If you make people feel good when they’re with you, they’ll likely want to keep connecting with you. You don’t always have to make this investment though. You may frequently meet with people where such an investment doesn’t seem worthwhile. But when you see other signs of compatibility and you’d like to explore a deeper connection with someone, then making someone feel good is an easy way to open the door.
