Words can be piercing, memorable and life-changing… whether positive or negative. Words can lift people up… or tear them down. Some words, whether written or spoken, will never be forgotten. Words can and will strengthen or destroy priceless relationships. Words can truly make a difference in people’s lives.
It is not the number of words, but the timing, choice, sincerity and delivery of words that makes a real and lasting difference.
This holiday season… and every day throughout the year… use as little as three carefully selected words to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of family, friends and colleagues. Your timing, choice, sincerity and delivery of only three little words can make a huge difference in the lives of others!
These three little words, taken from an unknown author and edited by yours truly, will alwaysimprove your relationships and your immediate and long-term success.
I’ll Be There
If you have ever had to call someone in the middle of the night because of an emergency, you know how good it feels to hear those wonderful words, “I’ll be there.” Being there for another person is one of the greatest gifts we can give. When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and to us. Being there is at the very core of civility.
I Miss You
Many relationships could be saved and strengthened if more of us would simply take the time to say or write, “I miss you.” This powerful affirmation tells friends and colleagues they are wanted, needed, remembered and appreciated. Every human on the face of the earth enjoys a sincere “I miss you” from time to time.
I Respect You
Respect is another way of showing appreciation. Respect conveys that another person is a true equal. Respect strengthens and deepens relationships.
Maybe You’re Right
This phrase is highly effective in diffusing arguments and restoring frayed emotions. The flip side to “Maybe you’re right” is the humility of admitting, “Maybe I’m wrong.” Let’s face it. When you have a heated argument with someone, all you do is cement the other person’s point of view.
Please Forgive Me
Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness. All of us are vulnerable to foibles and failures. A person should never be ashamed to admit that he or she has been wrong, which translates that he or she is wiser today than yesterday.
I Thank You
Gratitude is an exquisite form of courtesy. People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends and colleagues are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted. They are quick to thank their friends and colleagues for their many expressions of kindness. On the other hand, people whose circle of friends and colleagues is severely constricted often do not have the attitude of gratitude.
Count On Me
A friend is one who walks in when others walk out. Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship and an excellent relationship; it is the emotional glue that bonds people together. Those who are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends. When troubles come, a good friend or colleague is there, indicating you can “Count on me.”
Let Me Help
The best friends and colleagues see a need and try to fill it. When they spot a hurt, they do what they can to heal it. Without being asked, they pitch in and help.
Please Help Me
A sincere request for help breaks down most barriers and results in amazing behavior and results. Almost anyone and everyone will positively respond to a sincere, open and honest “Please help me.”
I Understand You
People become closer, enjoy each other more, and are far more likely to build lasting, trusting relationships if they feel the other person accepts and understands them.
I Love You
Perhaps the most important three words you can say. Telling someone that you truly love them satisfies a person’s deepest emotional needs: the need to belong, to feel appreciated, and to be wanted. Your family, friends, and you, all need to hear these three little words, “I love you.”
God Bless You
For those inclined, sincerely writing or saying “God bless you” is a very effective affirmation, wish and prayer for great and wonderful things in the future. Even many who do not believe in God realize the power and positive intent of these three little words.
Just Do It
Encouragement is extremely powerful. Encouragement communicates a belief that you are capable and “you can do it.” So, “just do it!
If you want to be more effective and successful at home, at work, in your community, in your career and within other organizations or environments in which you are engaged, one guaranteed strategy is to improve your relationships! You can improve your relationships and make a positive difference in people’s lives by sincerely and more frequently saying or writing these three little words.
I suggest you make several copies of this article. Place the copies where you will frequently see them. When you see the article, take a minute to evaluate your progress regarding more frequently communicating these three little words… and the positive results you are seeing in your improved relationships. Just do it…
