People who are in a healthy relationship talk to each other regularly and listen to each other too. Misunderstandings can happen, and that can lead to people being upset, hurt or confused.
It is best to be clear about what you want to say. Making a real effort to understand what the other person is saying also helps.
Double checking that you have understood correctly can avoid misunderstandings. Just because you love each other doesn’t mean you will be able to communicate well or know what the other is thinking.
You need to do the following things to encourage more open communication in your relationship:
Set aside time to speak to each other, without interruptions.
Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.
Don’t rely on the other person to guess what is going on, or how you are feeling.
Listen to each other, and make sure the other person knows you are listening to them.
Let the other person finish what they are saying.
Talk about things honestly and respectfully.
Try not to be too defensive.
Stay calm and try not to attack.
Communication is not just talking, it also includes non-verbal communication i.e., your posture, tone of voice, facial expressions etc.
All these can tell the other person how you feel. Non-verbal communication can even undermine what you’re saying if your behaviour doesn’t match your words.
If you’re in a relationship, there are chances that you’ve had your fair share of tense moments. It’s not abnormal to have arguments. Clashing is a completely normal part of being a couple.
But the key to any lasting relationship is to work toward building a stronger, more intimate bond.
Communication is important because it fosters trust and connection.
In order to have an open and honest relationship with your partner, you must be able to freely communicate in a healthy manner.
Whether you’re just starting out as a couple or have been together for years, these strategies can help you both improve your communication skills.
