Human life is full of moments with people. These are people we build relationships with. And relationships aren’t just confined to people who are related to us—we can have a relationship with anyone we interact with. And it is because of this ubiquitous nature of human relationships that we constantly strive to improve them. In fact, when we are improving our relationships with people, we are improving ourselves. If we are looking for personal development, this is one of the most concrete ways to go about it.

Whatever the type of relationship may be, however simple or however complex, its enhancement basically boils down to the following simple keys.

Commitment

For your relationship to blossom, commitment is an important prerequisite. You must commit to the other person in terms of your thoughts, your words, your expressions, and you have to show it to them by investing time in them and putting in the right efforts to grow your relationship.

Freedom

You shouldn’t bind the people you are in a relationship with. Just as you want your freedom, the other person wants their freedom too. Respect that and you will find the relationship going forward.

Respect

You need to respect the other person’s feelings and emotions, likes and dislikes, wants and desires and so on. Respect them for what they are, for what they stand for and do not expect them to change for you.

Support

Being in a relationship means supporting each other. You must help them in their aspirations and in their joys and sorrows. This will only get back to you—if you support the person, you have a relationship with, they are going to support you too.

Equality

No one is higher than the other when they have a relationship. At least, you shouldn’t harbour such feelings in your mind. If you relate to a person for some reason, then you need to think of them as equal to you. You need them just as much as they need you.

Resolving Conflicts

It is not that everything will always be hunky-dory in your relationship. There will be conflicts. You will argue; you will have alterations. But, when you are fostering a relationship with someone, it is essential that you resolve all these conflicts with them in a constructive manner, without demeaning each other and through fruitful discussion.

Trust

If you want the people, you are in a relationship with to trust you, then you need to trust them first. Trust is the foundation on which a relationship is built.

What would your relationships be like if these 7 keys were in them?