How can you maintain relationships with people who have different self-care needs?

1 Understand your own needs

The first step to maintaining healthy relationships with people who have different self-care needs is to understand your own needs. What are the activities, habits, and routines that help you feel balanced, energized, and happy? How do you deal with pressure, uncertainty, and conflict? How do you communicate your boundaries, expectations, and feelings? By being aware of your own self-care needs, you can better recognize when you need to take a break, ask for help, or say no to something that does not serve you.

3 Respect the differences

Once you have a better idea of your own and others' self-care needs, you can respect the differences and avoid making judgments or assumptions. For example, you can respect that some people may need more solitude, while others may need more social interaction. You can respect that some people may prefer a structured schedule, while others may prefer a flexible one. You can respect that some people may express their emotions openly, while others may keep them to themselves. By respecting the differences, you can avoid conflicts, misunderstandings, and resentment.

4 Find common ground

Another way to maintain relationships with people who have different self-care needs is to find common ground and build on it. For example, you can find out what you have in common in terms of hobbies, interests, goals, or values. You can also look for ways to support each other's self-care needs, such as sharing resources, tips, or advice. You can also create opportunities to spend quality time together, such as having a coffee break, going for a walk, or joining a club. By finding common ground, you can strengthen your bond and mutual respect.

5 Communicate clearly

The last tip is to communicate clearly and honestly with the people you have relationships with. This means expressing your self-care needs in a respectful and assertive way, as well as listening to and acknowledging their self-care needs. For example, you can tell them when you need some space, time, or support, and ask them how they feel and what they need. You can also give them feedback, appreciation, and encouragement, and receive them graciously. By communicating clearly, you can avoid confusion, frustration, and disappointment.

Working abroad can be a great opportunity to learn from and connect with people who have different self-care needs. By following these tips, you can maintain healthy and harmonious relationships that enrich your personal and professional life.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?