Activity – Short Phrases

There are many things that we can do to strengthen our interpersonal relationships yet the most effective involves the saying of just three words.  When spoken or conveyed, especially to young people, they can change a negative relationship into a positive one.  [When establishing the rules for your club, group, or camp, you may wish to do the following activity with participants.]  Participants should take turns reading the following phrases and their descriptions.

I’LL BE THERE

If you have ever had to call a friend in the middle of the night, to take a sick child to hospital, or when your car has broken down some miles from home, you will know how good it feels to hear the phrase, “I’ll be there.”  Being there for another person is the greatest gift we can give.  When we are truly present for other people, important things happen to them and us.  We are renewed in love and friendship.  We are restored emotionally and spiritually.  Being there is at the very core of civility.

I MISS YOU

This powerful affirmation tells others they are wanted, needed, desired and loved.  Consider how ecstatic you feel, if you received an unexpected phone call from a friend just to say, “I miss you.”

I RESPECT YOU

Respect is another way of showing love.  Respect conveys the feeling that another person is a true equal.  If you talk to your children as if they were adults, you will strengthen the bonds and become close friends. 

MAYBE YOU ARE RIGHT

This phrase is highly effective in stopping arguments.  The other side to saying “maybe you are right” is the humility of admitting, “Maybe I am wrong.”  When you have an argument with someone, all you do is confirm the other person’s point of view.  Saying “maybe you’re right” can open the door to further explore the subject in which you may then have the opportunity to get your view across in a more rational manner.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME

Many broken relationships could be restored and healed if people would admit their mistakes and ask for forgiveness.  All of us are vulnerable to faults, foibles, and failures.  A person should never be ashamed to own up to the fact that he was wrong, which is saying, in other words, that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.

I THANK YOU

Gratitude is a wonderful form of courtesy.  People who enjoy the companionship of good, close friends are those who don’t take daily courtesies for granted.  They are quick to thank their friends for their many expressions of kindness.  On the other hand, people whose circle of friends is severely constricted often do no have the attitude of gratitude.   

YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME

A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.  Loyalty is an essential ingredient for true friendship.  Those that are rich in their relationships tend to be steady and true friends.  When trouble comes, a good friend is there indicating “you can depend on me.”

LET ME HELP

A good friend sees a need and tries to fill it.  When they spot a hurt, they do what they can to heal it.  Without being asked, they pitch in and help. 

I UNDERSTAND YOU

People become closer and enjoy each other more if they feel the other person accepts and understands them.