1. Any relationship begins with us. When our own lives are full of contentment, we have some left overfor other people.

2. When we feel good about ourselves, there is no need to be overly critical or defensive because we nolonger feel threatened by others.

3. Everyone you come into contact with is doing the best that he/she can do in life. Beneath our negativebehavior, we all want to be warm, friendly, compassionate people.

4. In poor relationships, people make the mistake of taking negative behavior personally.

5. People respect and admire others who are understanding of their mental state (especially when they aredown), and they appreciate those who can maintain a sense of well-being when others have “lost theirheads.”

6. It is important to know when we are in a low mood and when others are in a low mood.

7. Our spouses, co-workers, children, employees, friends, and others will say and do things in their lowmoods that they wouldn’t dream of saying or doing in their high moods.

8. Don’t try to give people advice when they are in a low mood. No one is receptive to information in alow state of mind. Don’t ignore them either. Just understand and have compassion. The rest will takecare of itself.