14 top social skills for success in life

Human beings are social beings and, therefore, we must acquire a series of social skills that allow us to live in harmony with those around us, since we need others to survive and to enjoy an emotionally healthy life.

Not having certain social skills determines how we behave when we are with other people and our way of acting may, on some occasions, be misinterpreted by others, which may result in a conflict that could have avoided.

The 14 basic social skills

Social skills are a set of behaviors that we emit when we interact with other individuals and that they help us to interact with others in an effective and mutually satisfactory way. Fortunately, they can be acquired and developed with practice. However, it can be difficult to master some of them, as you have to be patient and take the time to develop them properly.

In today's article, we have prepared a list of the 14 main social skills to be successful in your relationships and in your life. Let us begin!

1. Active listening

There is a big difference between listening and hearing

. Knowing how to listen is very important in communicating with other people and, although we may not always realize it, sometimes we spend more time watching what we think and what we say instead of actively listening to the other.

Active listening is not only paying attention to the words that come out of the mouth of the other interlocutor, but also is about being fully aware of your emotions and the nonverbal language that the other person tries to communicate.

Active listening is really important when it comes to communicating effectively with other people.

• Therefore, it is interesting that you take a look at our article: "Active listening: the key to communicating with others"

2. Assertiveness

Assertiveness is a very important social skill for many reasons. The assertive person expresses her opinion appropriately and defends her point of view, always respecting the opinion of others. Thus, assertiveness is key to communicate efficiently with other individuals, but also for our own emotional well-being.

• But what differentiates assertive people from non-assertive people? You can find this answer in our post: "Assertive people: 10 characteristics they have in common"

3. Emotional validation

Emotional validation is the understanding and expression of acceptance of the other person's emotional experience, and improves interpersonal relationships since the other interlocutor feels understood and recognized. When someone feels that he is being understood emotionally, her trust towards the other person increases and she is able to open up, that is, to verbalize what he thinks and feels. It is essential to create a good relationship with other individuals

• Recommended article: "Emotional validation: 6 basic tips to improve it"

4. Empathy

The empathy it is the ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and know what they feel or even what they may be thinking. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to have interpersonal relationships with other individuals and to know how to behave in front of others. Empathy is also key to adapting to social situations.

• You may be interested: "Learning to manage empathy and adaptation: two wonderful qualities of the human being"

5. Bargaining power

When we share our day to day with people it is necessary to have a good negotiation skills. Whether with co-workers or with your partner, knowing how to negotiate is a necessary skill because it can avoid many conflicts. Additionally, conflict can arise from any relationship, and learning to manage and negotiate it is a healthy and essential way to make relationships work.

6. I respect

People are more willing to relate to us if we show respect for their beliefs, values, and ideas. In addition to respecting their way of thinking, respect can be expressed with eye contact that indicates sincerity, so that people feel taken into consideration. Lack of respect is one of the attitudes that we hate the most and that, in some cases, it is hard to leave behind.

7. Credibility

Showing yourself as a credible person is necessary to gain trust with others plus, persuade an audience. As with respect, credibility makes people show themselves as they are and are more receptive. You always have to be consistent with what you say and do.

8. Compassion

No one is perfect and therefore we can all make mistakes. Sometimes we are very hard on others, even though they did not do something in bad faith. Being compassionate is key to dealing with other individuals, and acceptance and forgiveness help improve our well-being.

• It may interest you: "Forgiveness: should I or should I not forgive the one who hurt me?"

9. Positive thinking

Living life in a negative way will influence how we see the world and, therefore, how we relate to others. Having a positive mindset and facing situations with optimism is one of the best ways to live.. And, in addition, it attracts other people.

• Article to deepen positive thinking: "25 positive phrases to live day to day with optimism"

10. Emotional regulation

The emotional regulation It is a key concept when we live with other individuals and it is a necessary competence for life. Being aware of and regulating our own emotions is necessary and at the same time helps us to better develop our ability to promote our own well-being and that of others.

11. Open-mindedness

A mind free from prejudice and stereotypes is a strength that helps you relate to different people and adapt better to the environment. Mental rigidity and intolerance are undoubtedly a limitation for interpersonal relationships.

12. Patience

Being patient is one of the great virtues that we can possess, especially when we refer to the social environment. If we don't master this skill, anything can annoy us and become a big problem. Patience helps you stay relaxed and avoid being more tense than necessary. Before you erupt into a fit of rage, better take a few seconds to reconsider. A good way to improve this skill is through Mindfulness.

13. Courtesy

When we are courteous and polite to other people they will rarely be ungrateful to us. Behave with respect and in a polite way with others and you will see how things go much better for you. Being gentle and kind is always a plus.

14. Know how to express yourself

Knowing how to express yourself is key when we interact with others. Regarding verbal language, it is necessary to be clear and get the message we want to reach others. This seems easy, but it is not always the case. Using concrete examples, having a good improvisation ability, vocalizing correctly, or considering timing are useful strategies.

• Featured article: "The 10 basic communication skills"

The use of new technologies to interact

In addition, reading and writing are important to communicate. Reading enables intellectual development and helps to better understand reality. And mastering writing is essential today, since the new information and communication technologies (ICT) they have burst into our lives.

In this sense, there are apps that allow us to train social skills and get our maximum potential. One of the most recognized is Meyo, developed in Barcelona. This app acts as a life coach and offers you challenges with which to improve in many aspects of your social life.

• Follow Meyo on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meyoapp/
• And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/Appmeyo/