3 Ways to Improve Communication in Relationships
The number one ingredient to any healthy and stable relationship is good communication. When communication is poor, relationships break down.
Whether they are platonic, romantic or revolve around business, your relationships will thrive if you improve your communication with others.
Here are 3 Ways You Can be a Better Communicator:
1. Be Fully Present
Trust and respect must be earned by both parties, and this requires giving each other your full attention. Keep distractions like cell phones out of the conversation. Make eye contact and fully listen to what the other person is saying and how they are saying it.
2. Use “I” Statements
One of the biggest things that makes someone tune out during a conversation is when they are told they are doing something wrong. “YOU do this” or “YOU do that” is not the best way to get your feelings across.
Try using more “I” statements. These statements focus on your feelings without casting blame on the other person.
For example, instead of saying, “You’re always late!” You can instead say, “I worry when you haven’t shown up and I haven’t heard from you.”
Other examples of “I” Statements are:
- “I don’t mean to hurt your feelings by saying this, but it makes me feel ignored when you look away as we’re having a conversation,” or
- “I like when you put your phone down when we’re about to have a conversation.”
See the difference?
3. Avoid Negative Communication Patterns
Poor communication is typically the result of negative communication patterns. These include things like:
- passive aggressiveness
- ignoring the other person when they are speaking, and
- yelling
While you may not be able to change your own negative communication patterns overnight, you can commit to becoming more aware of them and when they happen, stop the pattern and change it.
These are just some of the ways you can improve your communication with others. You may also want to seek the guidance of a couples’ therapist who can offer you even more strategies and a safe space to share your feelings.
If you’d like to explore counseling, please reach out to me. I’d love to help you reconnect with your partner.
Want to learn more about how to apply effective communication in your relationship in the safety and comfort of a group setting?
I lead the following group twice monthly:
Happy Relationships Happy Life
use this link to learn more:
https://mailchi.mp/01c5ecdd18aa/group-therapy-happy-relationships-happy-life
SOURCES:
https://positivepsychology.com/communication-in-relationships/
https://www.verywellmind.com/communication-in-relationships-why-it-matters-and-how-to-improve-5218269
https://us.calmerry.com/blog/relationships/9-ways-to-improve-communication-in-your-relationship/
