12 habits of people who build extraordinary relationships

In today’s world, superficial interactions have become the norm. However, some people are still able to build exceptional relationships with others.  

Have you ever wondered what habits they have and what else they do to build such strong bonds with people? 

Join me as we uncover these transformative acts and learn how to cultivate relationships that defy expectations.

1) They are reliable 

We’ve all met unreliable people. They can be very difficult to live and deal with. They leave a trail of broken promises, missed appointments, forgotten birthdays and anniversaries, and more.

On the other side, there are special people that are super-reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. You can call them at any time, day or night, and they will be ready to help. 

This reliability is one of the building blocks of extraordinary relationships they build with people that deserve them and the ones that don’t. 

However, they also have this next important habit that helps them build wonderful connections. 

2) They are proactive 

Building and maintaining exceptional relationships requires time, effort, and energy. People that cultivate such connections take initiative and are actively engaged in building and nurturing them.

For instance, they have a habit of regularly checking in with friends and family members, and reaching out to see how they’re doing. 

They also seek common ground and suggest shared activities.

These joint activities often bring the relationship to another level. They can include watching or playing sports, BBQs, afternoon teas, and discussions about favorite books, TV shows, and music, among many other things.

This brings us to the next point.

3) They are thoughtful 

What else is important besides being reliable and proactive? Well, one of the main habits of people with amazing relationships is thoughtfulness. 

These people see the needs, feelings, and preferences of others and take deliberate actions to show care and consideration.

They take the time to learn and memorize your affections, interests, and hobbies and make you feel cared for by planning activities, finding gifts, or engaging in conversations that align with your interests. This shows that they value and recognize what matters to you.

Let’s talk about this a bit further. 

4) They remember small things

Although remembering small things falls under thoughtfulness, I wanted to emphasize this incredible habit as I find it to be just adorable, and it often surprises people. 

It also shows just how much this special person listens to you and actively tries to remember and think of things about your life and your relationship. 

Here are some examples:

• Remembering someone’s favorite food or drink and surprising them with it.
• Offering a genuine compliment or word of encouragement when they least expect it.
• Sharing articles, books, and social media posts that align with their interests.
• Remembering significant dates, like work anniversaries, milestones, or special occasions, and acknowledging them with a small gesture or message.

5) They support you 

Are you supportive of others? Do you offer help when you notice friends or family members going through tough times? Do you also really mean it?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you might just have what it takes to build amazing connections with others. Or, you probably already built many. 

And if you have this next habit, you most definitely have respect for others.

6) They respect others

Respecting others for what they are and do is another building block of outstanding relationships. 

If you don’t judge and even celebrate your differences, rather than expecting everyone to conform to your own beliefs or values, you are the embodiment of respect. 

You are also great at active listening, giving your full attention to others when they’re talking. You refrain from interrupting or dismissing other people’s ideas, allowing them to express themselves fully.

And for that, they love you and respect you back, just as much as you respect them. 

7) They are engaging

People with extraordinary relationships aren’t just good at listening. Oh, no. They are also good great at engaging with others in meaningful conversations, showing interest and curiosity about their lives, experiences, and opinions. 

This can be as simple as high-fiving or giving a hug, but also asking open-ended questions, and sharing personal stories and experiences, thus encouraging a sense of fellowship and vulnerability.  

However, you can’t be engaging without being genuine. 

8) They are genuine

Genuine people show up as their true selves in relationships. They don’t put on a facade or pretend to be someone they’re not. 

On the contrary, they embrace their strengths, flaws, and unique qualities, allowing you to see and connect with the real person and not a persona.

When they make a mistake, they take responsibility and sincerely ask for forgiveness, owning their imperfections and striving to make amends. 

After all, we all make mistakes, don’t we? 

9) They don’t manipulate

How much do you hate people that manipulate? We all know at least one person, perhaps a co-worker, that loves doing this. It can be low-key, but it can also clearly be seen if you know what you’re looking for. 

Again, on the flip side, there are people that communicate openly, expressing their thoughts, feelings, and intentions truthfully. 

They don’t engage in manipulation or play games but instead foster trust and openness through their sincere communication.

10) They make people laugh

Laughter is the best medicine. This is something we often hear, but do we laugh as often as we should? 

Well, if you are someone that’s in an extraordinary relationship, you undoubtedly are. Making people laugh helps lighten the mood and creates a positive atmosphere in their company. 

By injecting humor into conversations or situations, people diffuse tension, alleviate stress, and create a more enjoyable and relaxed environment for everyone involved.

How good are you at this? Do people light up when they see you? Can you try and inject more humor in your interactions with others?

Stick around because we have two more important habits to cover. 

11) They resolve conflicts

Even though there’s respect in a relationship, it doesn’t mean there can’t be any disagreements. 

In fact, I’ve had the most heated debates with some of my best friends. And don’t even mention family to me!

Nevertheless, I understand that conflicts and disputes are a natural part of any relationship. It doesn’t deter me from loving others, and it certainly doesn’t mean I don’t respect them. 

12) They are forgiving

We’ve come to the last habit. Forgiveness. It entails recognizing the fact that nobody’s perfect. Forgiving and letting go of grudges and past conflicts is something we could all work on. 

But for people that are excellent at building amazing connections with other people, this comes naturally. 

In fact, they don’t hold grudges at all as they’re a trait of childish people. People who don’t allow room for growth and are stuck in the past. 

Final thoughts

How many habits of people who build extraordinary relationships do you have? I’d say if you have more than a half, you’re a genuinely good person that seeks to build healthy relationships but could take things even further. 

If you have less than half of these habits, you have your work cut out for you. One thing to achieve that is to have a growth mindset.