5 Ways Neuro-Linguistic Programming Can Improve Relationships

Communication is always deemed as an important element in relationships; whether romantic or otherwise. But, because not everyone processes and interprets information in the same manner, interactions can become muddled, leading to misunderstanding and conflict.

Neurolinguistic Programming or NLP is the practice of self-awareness and understanding other people’s behavior, as well as non-verbal cues to be more conscious of things that are often not said. Everything starts in accepting – without any judgment – that not all people share the same opinion, feelings, and reactions to specific occurrences.

If you want to improve your relationships, learning about neuro-linguistic programming is the way to go. Discover how practicing NLP can help enhance your relationships.

How Does NLP Help Improve Relationships?

NLP aims to understand how a person processes information about the world and the things happening around them. Using specific NLP tools, individuals with NLP Certification aim to know what lies at the core of verbal and non-verbal cues and attempt to change negative thoughts and behavior to give way to positive attitudes, feelings, and perceptions.

Before trying to help others, one must take a look at themselves and try to control their own thoughts, reactions, and feelings. NLP helps individuals understand themselves and other people better in the following ways:

1. Being More Aware Of Yourself And Others

It’s true when they say: “We’re quick to notice other people’s mistakes but are so slow to acknowledge our own shortcomings”. And this affects how we deal with our partners, family members, and colleagues at work.

NLP helps people to become more conscious of their own fallibility and be able to control them to improve how they interact with others. For instance, if you’re always worrying about how a person will react to your requests and start to conjure negative thoughts –like the person yelling at you or telling you off, you’ll likely act defensively when facing the person in question.

With NLP, you can get rid of your judgment, act less uptight, and carry a more positive mindset.

2. Knowing When To Engage

Being more conscious of how you’re feeling, you’ll know when to engage with others at the right time. Neuro-linguistic programming goes beyond understanding the basic principles of communication, and delves deeper into the ‘whys’, ‘whats’, and ‘hows,’ to make human interactions more worthwhile.

Knowing NLP doesn’t extinguish the fact that you’ll have good days and bad days. At your worst, you can’t think straight or make good decisions, no matter how you try. When you’re in this state, accept it, and tell others that it’s not a good time to talk; explaining that you may not be as receptive and empathic as you would during your ‘better days.’

3. Not Being Afraid To Convey Your Needs

When you’re in a fresh romantic relationship, you tend to act less fussy and less demanding of attention, time, and effort. Later, you become unhappy with the bond, complaining that your needs were never met.

This isn’t in defense of the other person. But ask yourself whether you’ve made any attempt to tell your partner what you need instead of waiting until your significant other ‘gets’ you. When a person knows what your needs are and makes you happy, they’re likely willing to provide these things to you. And this is true in your relationships with your friends and family members as well.

4. Being Less Idealistic And More Forgiving

This mindset helps both in dealing with yourself and in interacting with other people. This can be difficult to achieve without understanding or practicing neuro-linguistic programming.

Individuals have their own set of ideals; whether in their lives, relationships, work, and everything in between. When dealing with other people, they tend to show only their good side; thinking that they won’t be loved or seen in a good way, or else they show their vulnerabilities and insecurities.

With NLP, you’ll be more understanding of yourself and other people’s flaws. If you’re being vulnerable to others, they’re more likely to share their full selves as well-being knowing that you’re more accepting despite the imperfections.

The proverbial phrase, ‘To err is human, to forgive is divine,’ is one of the cornerstone principles of this practice.

5. Giving Feedback And Not Judgements

When you convey your displeasure to other people about what they did, the words that come out, alongside the tone of your voice may be interpreted as an attack. When this happens, the person we’re in a tussle closes off their minds and becomes defensive. They’re also more likely to respond with sharp words, and sometimes, hurt you physically.

One of the better ways NLP teaches you is to use sensory-based language hinged on the speaker’s or your observation. Instead of confronting the person in an accusatory manner, you can tell them that you heard and saw how they dealt with something, which made the person feel bad or frustrated—and hopes that the unfavorable behavior is amended.

Conclusion

With NLP, you can significantly improve the way you manage your own thought processes, reactions, and attitude towards other people. Keep in mind that not everyone has the same mindset as yours, and you need to understand where they’re coming from to determine which approach to take.