All relationships hit a few bumps now and then. On this weekend’s show, we offer a little first aid to get your relationships strong again. As a ‘first responder’, there are several things you can do to become a master – not a disaster – in your relationship.

We know that when we feel negative towards someone, the relationship suffers and is difficult to turn around. So, try these few ideas to think more positively. The more positive you think about your relationship, the more positive it will feel.

Someone I know does loving kindness meditations. She thinks about the good qualities of people she knows. Actually, she is engaging in a biblical practice and doesn’t know it.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9

We can choose to think about others in a positive light. When we do, we end up happier.

In fact, University of Texas researchers found that when people wrote about their relationships 20 minutes a day for three days, they had a better chance of staying together. And when they expressed positive emotions in instant messages, they felt more positive.

If you need to feel more positive towards another person, try writing positive things about that person. Then, engage in a few acts of kindness like filling up the gas tank, making coffee, or picking up the dry cleaning. Meditate on the good qualities of that person. It will boost your mood and build positive connections. A quick hug, a short back rub… do little things to make the relationship happier.

All of this is simple but powerful because it is based on the Word of God. So be intentional about your relationship and try this easy but impactful step to building more positivity.

Relationship first aid: build a positive base