Before leaving Social Connections and happiness there are a couple of other practices Sonja Lyubomrisky puts forward in her book The How of Happiness.
Random acts of kindness and playing it forward.
These are concepts which Oprah has advocated in her programs, and I believe there was a movie made on playing it forward.
These are activities that can be practiced with strangers. Little things, like helping someone with a stroller or a small child get on the bus first. If someone does something good for me, pass that on to someone else.
Lyubomirsky suggests that making the effort to consciously smile while walking down the street can elevate my own mood and change the faces of those I encounter. And I have found it to be true.
What is the old adage? "Smile and the world smiles with you..."
Praise and compliment others. It may seem saccharine, but again, I see that it works. As humans, it seems we need a 5:1 ratio of positive to negative, such as praise:criticism or appreciation:disapproval.
Happyists tend to focus on good times, good memories; and have a charitable explanation for bad times.
It is really important to learn how to manage conflict and learn how to negotiate. These are skills I look forward to learning in the treatment programs I have been referred to.
And finally, communication skills. Active listening. Not being so quick to offer advice or try to solve things for another.
With BPD, I understand that I have misread social cues, or ignored them, to my detriment. I look forward to becoming more aware and more skilled at navigating the social landscape in a healthier, more effective fashion.
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