As the coauthor of Get Along with Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere, it seemed fitting to stop in Harmony,California, population 18, during my summer vacation a few weeks ago. The tiny village received its symbolic name in 1907 after business rivalries led to a killing. The townspeople realized the error of their ways and called a truce. It’s been a peaceful settlement ever since due to the intention to live and work in harmony. Now even the foliage from passion flowers to heart-shaped bushes reflect Harmony’s focus on love and resolving differences peacefully in resolving differences.

Flash forward 100 years. Getting along takes commitment and following through on good intentions to create and maintain positive connections. When tempers flare or egos arise, it requires vigilance in remaining committed to that goal everywhere we go.

As I was getting into my car the other day, parked right next to me, was a couple in full feud mode. They were screaming at one another, hurling back and forth hurtful words, obviously steamed and stinging from what had just landed in their own hearts. The man said to his girlfriend, “You’re always on my case! I can’t do anything right. You don’t even like the sound of my voice!” The sound of exasperation and likely feeling “not enough.” That no matter what he did wasn’t “good enough” as he saw it in her book.

What people do want in their relationships, both personal and professional, is getting to the HEART of needs–to feel honored, encouraged, appreciated, respected, and treasured. When someone isn’t feeling them, heartbreak happens, whether openly expressed or suppressed for a time until they no longer choose to quell the pain.

Getting along takes commitment and assessing what’s at the heart of your connections. Get Along offers strategies, 8 keys for creating enduring connections with people in both personal and professional circles.