The goal is simply to hear, understand, and accept the other person's feelings and views. The other person can then say if he or she was correctly understood. Real acceptance and understanding take patience and active listening. If they have a hard time dealing with a problem, they are willing to seek outside help. Strong families also tend to be closely involved with the schools, churches, and local organizations that promote the well-being of the community and the individual Ties with relatives, neighbors, and friends are especially important.
Busy schedules can make it hard to spend time with people outside the family.
But relationships can sometimes be kept up by having family members write brief notes. Or the family can make it a special point to visit with certain people. Helping people in need in our own extended families, in our neighborhoods, and in our communities can be very rewarding. A family might choose an elderly person or couple who need help with raking leaves, caring for a lawn or garden, or cleaning or repairing a house. They might read to someone.