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

For a few people, a cousin can be intense and intimate, similar to a cross between a sibling and a friend. Some people are less close to their cousins, perhaps because they live away or have issues with their families that cause them to be apart. If you’re looking to reconnect or become closer friends, There are many ways to make the cousin relationship enjoyable and unique for you both. This article will discuss the best methods to establish an enduring, trusting connection with your friend. Let’s begin!

Things You Should Know

• Ask your friends questions about their lives to demonstrate your interest in the person they are and to discover things you have that are similar to them.
• Spend time with your family apart from family gatherings (if you live near one another) to build relationships and develop trust in others.
• Stay in touch through text or social media messages even when you’re not together, regardless of family tensions that make getting together difficult.

Relating to Your Cousin

1. Find things that you both enjoy discussing in conversations if you’re struggling with topics to discuss your cousin’s questions about their lives to see what you have in common, ranging from personality traits to shared interests. Find points of commonality to establish the bonds of friendship between you and your cousin (this can give you the foundation for your interactions).
   • For instance, you and your partner may enjoy playing online games or enjoy Pinterest. Set up a match against each other, or follow your Pinterest boards.
   • Make use of a lack of interest to experiment with something new. For instance, if you’re family member is fond of hiking, and you’ve never attempted it, try a hike with them. Even if you don’t, it could be a great experience, but it can help people like you more since it shows that you’re open to new experiences.
2. Laugh and talk often in person or via the internet. Contact your friend frequently to develop a strong relationship. Connect with them through social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter or send them text or messages via apps like Viber and WhatsApp. If you keep your conversations fun and lighthearted, you’ll be able to laugh frequently and strengthen your bond further.
   • Use online video chatting applications such as Skype as well as FaceTime. These platforms enable you to keep in touch intimately.
   • Be calm and polite during conversations. Be careful not to be rude or hurtful to your cousin, mainly if a family drama is already creating tension within your family.
3. Enjoy activities with your friends when you meet up. Being able to spend time with your loved ones can build a bond and build trust. If you are your other cousins looking for activities to do at the next family get-together, try making a movie or playing a sport you like, talking about other shared hobbies, and sharing stories. At the same time, you cook for the holidays or put up decorations.
   • Be flexible with what you choose to do. You may not like everything your cousin recommends; however, being flexible can strengthen your relationship. Your partner should respect your preferences, too.
   • While socializing, make your cousins smile or laugh at something they do to get them to feel comfortable with you. Everyone loves someone who makes people feel good!
4. Engage genuinely with your comrade. Pay attention to what your friend has to say and then comment on anything you like or that you can relate to keep your conversation flowing. This indicates that you are paying attention to what they say and are genuinely interested in their opinions and your relationship.
   • Ask them questions. It’s among the most effective ways to show interest in your child! Start with something as basic as “What do you like to do?” or inquire about the school they attend, their home, or what they’re most excited about.

Gaining Your Cousin’s Trust

1. Improve communication between you and your friend. If you talk to them, Listen to what they can or say to prove they’re essential to you and your relationship. Nod,   make eye contact, and add the conversation points they are using to reassure them that your concerns and needs matter to you. 
   • For instance, if they’re struggling in school or with their friends, Discuss the issues they are experiencing and help them devise a solution.
   • Make sure you are consistent with your communication. This doesn’t mean you have to answer all messages or phone calls immediately, But keeping regular contact will help increase your trust.
   • Discuss secrets with each other to build trust and a sense of closeness. Do not divulge secrets to anyone else, as it can cause conflict.
2. Reach out whenever you feel that you’re falling apart. Contact your friend to set you on the right track towards gaining their trust and causing them to accept you. Be brief in your initial messages to avoid overwhelming your friend. It may take a few attempts to initiate a conversation, especially if they were once distant or discordant.
   • Begin with a simple note like “We used to be so close and I have missed you. It would be great to be in contact more frequently if you like.” This will let the other team members know what you think and put the ball back in their hands for future contacts.
   • Contact your friend via the method that is most familiar to you. Consider a text message, phone call, social media DM, or email if tight.
   • If you’re unsure what to say, give your friend a following on social media. A simple gesture will create the foundation for future communications.
3. Be considerate of your cousins and their families. Help your cousin feel relaxed and comfortable when you’re speaking or spending time with them. Your close family members and cousins might have different values and beliefs than you do, so be respectful and accept their differences without making judgments.
   • Respecting them and being willing to change your behavior can help build trust and make them more raved about you. 
   • Be careful not to offend your family members or cousin, even if there is tension within your family. Tattle-tattle, taunting, or divulging your secrets to strangers can indicate inconsiderateness.
4. Spend time with your loved ones in the absence of family events. After you’ve managed to maintain contact with your cousin, consider having a meeting in person. Set aside the time for you to meet without family funerals, weddings, or other holidays, as these events are often emotional or stressful.
   • Keep your first meetings simple. Offer a cup of breakfast, coffee, an evening movie, or some sporting event if you live close to one another.
   • Begin to meet for more prolonged durations after you’ve had the chance to meet for shorter periods. If you’re far from each other, make video calls or travel together.

Maintaining the Cousin Relationship

1. Stay in contact throughout the phases that are part of your relationships. It’s natural for there to be times when you may not be in intimate touch with your friend or even be capable of getting together frequently. Keep in touch via social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter; you can call or message them. Sending a simple message such as “Hey there, hope you’re doing well” lets them know their importance in your life. 

• Video chats on video platforms such as Skype or FaceTime make it easier to connect more intimately.

1. Show your appreciation for the people you love. Beyond just keeping in touch, Let your loved ones know that you are concerned about their concerns and important date dates. Note birthdays, anniversaries, birthdays, and important upcoming events to wish your friend well for these days. If they’re experiencing difficulties, try assistance or offer solutions.
   • For example, you can offer to be their babysitter if their regular sitter fails to show up, help them with their homework, or even help them shop for the perfect piece of clothing.
2. Keep your relationship positive. It’s normal to experience fluctuations and ups and downs in every relationship, not just with your cousins. Keep your interactions with your cousins kind, positive, and understanding to keep an ongoing relationship. Keep your emotions consistent in love and love for your cousins, even in difficult times. Consistency is essential to building trust.
   • Sometimes, you’ll feel negative feelings or even moments during conversations. Be sure to deal with these events calmly and courteously and proceed with your life.
   • Avoid drama in the family to keep your relationships with your friends positive and respectful.