You’ve learned the first three steps in the REACH Model of Emotional Intimacy.
R= How to Reflect
E= How to acknowledge and express Emotions
A = How to Affirm what you’re hearing and what you value in the other person.
In this video, you learn all about how to express Care to build emotional closeness.
In this step of the model, you directly communicate your intention for having a dialogue like this in the first place. You let the other person know that being close to them is essential to you and value the relationship. This may seem like a simple and obvious step, but don’t underestimate its importance. Sharing your goal for the dialogue is also a way of reminding yourself why you choose connection over control.
Here are some examples:
“Being close to you, having a close relationship with you is important to me.”
“I want to know what’s going on for you and not just the positive stuff, and I want to know when something’s bothering you too.”
“I want us to have a good relationship.”
“Having a strong connection with you means so much to me.”
“Im interested in knowing what you’re thinking and feeling because I want to be close to you.”
