If your best friend expresses concern about your boyfriend/girlfriend, investigate. Take a step back to examine if you’re doing things you wouldn’t normally do which could harm you, and to see if your partner is being honest with you. Your friend may be wrong; try to give them the benefit of the doubt.
If your best friend doesn’t like your boyfriend/girlfriend, approach them separately at a calm time when you can give them your full attention. They may feel hurt that you’ve been spending less time together, or protective towards you. Work together to find a balance.
Understand that your addiction to negative thinking is based on the illusion that you can avoid pain by experiencing negativity on your own terms. You have what it takes to face the pain and negativity. As sure as day follows night, know that in time the pain will subside.
Self-acceptance allows us to acknowledge all aspects of ourselves without clinging or judgement. Instead of fixating on the bad, it means loving all of who we are. It means having the courage to correct any behaviours that are harmful without engaging in self-loathing.
There is a difference between being patient and being passive. You can patiently accept change while at the same time actively pursuing strategies to get yourself used to the new circumstances, emotionally and otherwise.
The key to accepting change is to have an open mind and to accept everything as it presents itself. The change will occur, like it or not; you cannot control it. Remember, with this change you have the ability to shape your response in a positive way.
If you’ve been keeping a situation to yourself, it may seem more overwhelming than it actually is. The person you talk with might help you see the situation in a new or different perspective, and will be more neutral about what’s going on if the outcome won’t affect them personally.
Talking about your feelings can help you make sense of them. Sometimes, just verbalising what is upsetting you to someone you trust can help you sort through your feelings, or make the situation clearer.
The three basics of good body language are the smile, eye contact, and the handshake. Smile at someone from the heart when you meet them. Look them in the eye when you speak to them, or when they speak to you. Combine with a good, firm handshake. Keep your body relaxed and posture confident.
When someone is talking to you, be fully engaged and present with them. Block off all judgement, and stop yourself thinking of what you’re going to say. If you’re able to, also listen to the tone of voice, pace of speech, and shift in energy to understand their emotions.