if you want your relationships to thrive , you must invest in them. by being a giver rather than a taker . everywhere you go, strive to make relational deposits into peoples lives, encouraging them , building them up, and helping them to feel better about them selves. granted , it's not always easy. some people are difficult to be around they tend to draw the life right outta you. they're not bad people; they just drain you. they always seem to have a problem , or some major crisis that they are convinced requires your help to solve or they just want to bitch! they talk all the time , so much you can't get a word in edgewise. by the time the conversation done, you feel as though your emotional energy is gone.difficult people don't make positive deposits; they are to busy making withdrawals. please, don't misunderstand me. it's okay to some days be down and discouraged. everybody has that right. but if your like that all the time , then there's a problem. your not going to have good friendships or good family relationships if your always draining the emotional reserves out of people. i like to think of my relationships as "emotional bank accounts"i have an account with everyone i come in contact with friends / family / even those i meet in passing... every time i interact with them am either making a deposit or withdrawal. Now, you ask me "how joel, can i make a deposit ? it's as simple as taking the time to walk up to someone and shake there hand " how are you ".... " good morning "... "have a blessed day".... just the simple fact that you went out of your way to make him or her feel important made a deposit into that account. your act of kindness built respect and trust. you can make your deposit's by simply smiling at people / acknowledging them / being friendly / being pleasant in ordinary circumstances..... joel osleen.... i myself also try to quietly and silently salute the divine spark which is in everyone....and occasionally i' ve been known to whispser " i love you " " have a blessed day" or "you look great"