5 Cool Ideas™ for Building Better Relationships
By Michael Angelo Caruso

When we build good relationships, we psychologically help others move closer to us. There are 15 words that will help get the job done. Presented as 5 Cool Ideas for building better relationships, here are the five most important words, the four most important words, the three most important words…

1. People want to hear “I am proud of you.” 
   The five most important words you can use to build a relationship are, “I am proud of you.” If you do not use these words every day, you are not telling people what they need to hear. “I am proud of you” is an emotion-based sentiment, which may be challenging for men to articulate. I had to practice saying this phrase before it was comfortable for me. As the eldest sibling in my family, I often practice on my brothers. One day, I called my brother Rob in New Orleans. “How are you?” I asked. “Good,” he answered. “We finally closed on the house, the kids are in school and Kim’s still talking to me.” I said, “I’m impressed, Rob. You’ve moved the family twice in four years and kept all the wheels on the wagon. I’m proud of you.” There was a slight pause as Rob wondered whether this was a prank call. “Thanks,” he eventually said, psychologically taking a step toward me.

2. “What is your opinion?” shows you care.  
   The four most important words a person can use are “What is your opinion?” If you don’t ask people for their opinion, they could think you don’t care. Good communicators converse as if they are playing tennis. They hit the ball and then wait for someone to return it. Don’t follow the ball over the net. Ask for opinions and listen. My audio book, “Effective Coaching,” will help you improve your most important relationships within 30 days.

3. “Would you, please” is still good etiquette.  
   The three most important words to build better relationships are “Would you please?”

4. Saying “thank you” says a lot. 
   The simplest way to acknowledge appreciation and honor another person is to look him or her in the eye and say “thank you.”

5. My name is my favorite word. 
   The most important word to use with another person is his or her name. You can maximize the power of persuasion by using the person’s name in an imbedded phrase. “Try to do this in the future, okay Bob?” In the previous sentence, “okay Bob?” is an imbedded phrase.