Difficult Relationships: 5 Easy Ways To Improve Them, Backed By Research

Just asking people, "Is this a good time to talk?" increases compliance with requests.

Show that you care by doing little things, even if they're ridiculous.

Perspective-taking (thinking about the other side's interests) will help to meet the needs of both parties. Mimicry helps with perspective-taking. Sit as they do, fold your hands as they do, etc. It helps us truly understand what another person is experiencing.

Happy couples that have been married for many years tend to look alike due to perspective-taking and mimicry.

The way to get others to see your perspective is to ask them for advice. When we ask them for advice, they put themselves in our shoes and look at the world from our point of view.

A common fear is that we may seem less competent, but when we ask for advice, as long as the request is not completely obvious, we appear more competent. Advice signals respect and deference.

To stop a difficult relationship from getting even worse, apologize in the right way: Promise to change. It is one of the most important components of an apology.

When you're reluctant to apologize, try focusing on the results you might achieve as opposed to who is right or wrong.