2 . Relationship conflicts can cause emotional pain and stress. Knowing how to apologize can repair damage in a relationship. Effective apologies are simple if you know what to say.     1    

Understand reasons to apologize.

When you’ve made a mistake or hurt another person, there are many good reasons why you should apologize. By apologizing, you are able to:

Acknowledge that you were wrong;

Discuss what is allowed and not allowed in your relationship;

Express your regrets and thoughts;

    2    

Take responsibility.

Taking responsibility means acknowledging mistakes you made hurt the other person. It’s one of the most important parts of most apologies. Saying “    3     I’m sorry” shows that you know it was what you said that hurt the other person and you take responsibility for it.

Express regrets.

When you seek to understand how to apologize effectively, it’s also important to understand the value of expressing regrets. Taking responsibility is important, but it’s also helpful for the other person to know that you feel bad about hurting them. They already feel bad.     4    

    5    

Although apologizing can be a way to repair the relationship and be forgiven. Sometimes this doesn’t happen. Sometimes the other person just isn’t ready or able to forgive you and move on. Or they may forgive you but still be guarded. Realize that you can’t control their response and if you’ve done everything you can, let it go for now.

4 . Imagine you’re at a football game when this rude man sits next to you. He’s loud, he spills his drink on you, and he makes fun of your team. Days later, you’re walking in the park when suddenly it starts to rain heavily. The same guy from the football game offers you an umbrella. Do you change your mind about him based on this second meeting, or do you go with your first impression and write him off?

Related research suggests that we’re quick to form lasting impressions of others based on their behaviors. On the one hand, learning very bad, highly immoral (不道德) information about someone usually has a stronger influence than learning very good, highly moral information. This is because immoral behaviors can better show a person’s true character.

On the other hand, when forming and updating our opinions about others, people tend to give more importance to behaviors that are seen as less common. When thinking about others’ actions, certain areas in the brain will become active. This brain activity is connected to how often people think these behaviors happen in daily life. In other words, the brain tries to decide if the person’s behavior is common or unusual.

There’s a good meaning in this data: your brain, and you, might care more about the very bad, immoral things another person has done compared (比较) to the very good, moral things, but it’s a direct result of the comparative rareness of those bad behaviors.

In the situation with the rude-football-fan-turned-good-person, your brain says, “Well, in my experience, pretty much anyone would lend someone their umbrella, but the way this guy acted at the football game, that was unusual.” And so, you decide to go with your first impression.

Think about the last time you judged someone based on their behavior, especially a time when you really feel like you changed your mind about someone. Was the behavior that caused you to update your impression something you’d expect anyone to do, or was it something totally out of the ordinary?

7 . The saying “good fences make good neighbours” means that having clear boundaries (界限) and respecting each other’s space can lead to a better relationship between neighbours. This saying is often used when people have disagreements over property lines or other issues related to shared spaces.

    1     This includes being honest and open with your neighbours about any issues that may arise, such as noise complaints or property disputes. If you are an independent person who values privacy, it is still important to communicate with your neighbours in a frank and respectful way.     2    

    3     Holding onto grudges (积怨) and resentments can lead to a poisonous relationship that is difficult to repair. It is important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and has different viewpoints, so it is important to approach conflicts with an open mind and a willingness to compromise (让步).

One way to avoid conflicts with your neighbours is to establish clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning.     4     By establishing these expectations early on, you can avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts down the road.

    5     By respecting each other’s space and establishing clear boundaries, you can build a positive relationship with your neighbours and avoid conflicts. Remember, “good fences make good neighbours”.

9 . How to Support Those with Mental Health Problems

There may come a time when a friend, a family member, or an employee requires your help for a mental health problem. The more you learn about mental health, the better position you may be in to help those with mental health problems.     1    .

In fact, anyone can benefit from psychological training. You might be a teacher that manages youth or a worried parent who wants to make sure your children can tell you anything.     2    . For example, you can take part in the Psychological Counselor Training (心理咨询培训) that focuses on supporting those at risk.

If someone in trouble approaches you and wants to listen to your views, give them your full attention.     3    , but to listen carefully and patiently. The more you listen, the better advice you can give.

Even if you have experienced psychological training through an organization like Training For Mind, it doesn’t mean you can offer people the mental health support as professionals do. Therefore, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help.

Make contact with those with mental health problems in time to see how they are feeling. It makes a difference for them to know they are cared for. You can communicate with them often.     5    , such as practicing yoga, making plans and going hiking together, etc.

10 . Teaching manners to a young child, may seem a little difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. This article explores these methods that can help you.

Practice greeting.

    1     Try to remind them to say hello to relatives and friends. If they forget to say “hi”, gently remind them. Try something like, “That’s our neighbor Tom! Do you want to say hello?”

Suggest looking someone in the eye.

It can be hard for anyone, so this step takes a little extra time.     2     This can make it feel more like a game and can help them get more comfortable! If you notice your-child staring at the ground while talking to someone, gently suggest they look up.     3     This can make them extra shy!

Say what they should do.

“No” without any suggestion may leave your child feeling confused about what to do next.     4     This way they know what good behavior they should practice instead.

    5    

Always be kind, polite, and positive in front of your child. You are a positive example to learn from. Consider eating dinner as a family each night. This is a great place to practice polite conversation as well as dinner table manners in particular.