Get Closer with Your Cousins: Gaining Trust, Building Relationships & More

Connecting With Your Cousins

Cousins are extended family members, and building trust and relationships with them can allow for deeper connections. Developing strong relationships with your cousins provides a unique bond that can last a lifetime. Here are some easy steps to help foster connections and get closer with your extended family.

Steps to Connecting

• Talk regularly but stay in touch: Keeping in-contact with your cousins will help keep your relationship strong. Establish a regular pattern of communication (texts, FaceTime, etc).
• Be interested in their lives: Asking questions shows them that you are interested and care. Find out what interests them and participate in activities they would enjoy.
• Keep active communication engaging: Great communication goes beyond small talk; create meaningful conversations and investments in each others lives.
• Set up one-on-one time with your cousins: Invite your cousin to spend time together out and about or just spend a few hours hanging out. This can help reinforce your relationship.
• Respect boundaries: Don't pry into their personal lives. Building trust and relationships will take time.
• Accept your differences and still find commonalities: Even if you two have different views on certain topics, it's important to respect and accept each other’s perspectives.
• Stay in touch during special occasions: Letting your cousin know you are thinking of them during birthdays, holidays or meaningful events is a simple but powerful way to show them you care.