How can I build and maintain relationships?

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All of us want to feel connected to other people.  Some of us feel closer to families and others value friendships with friends and neighbors.  Sometimes, bad prior experiences might even make some of us want to withdraw and spend more time by ourselves.

Good relationship skills means it is important to know how to socialize with others.  All of us must practice skills every day that help us get along better with other people and that make us feel closer to them, like being polite to our family, friends, and even strangers, learning how to have conversations where we both talk and listen to another person’s ideas and point of view. These skills lead to success in employment, housing, and our social life.