The ability to consistently communicate well in a relationship can help you face challenges and hardships more productively.
Communication doesn’t always come easy, whether it’s with a romantic partner or someone else. But it’s key to the overall success and sustainability of such partnerships.
While some people have no problem communicating their needs in a clear and respectful way, others may struggle when it comes to expressing themselves and that can make maintaining healthy relationships especially challenging.
Read also: 5 Healthy Ways To Deal With Disagreements In A Relationship
You need open communication in relationships to bridge gaps in the face of a misunderstanding, and to get through your most difficult challenges. Open communication is the spine that holds up a relationship.
Certain skills are necessary to maintain open channels of communication that enable relationships to thrive.
Here are some ways to help you handle communication in your relationship:
At its most basic, the difference between good and poor communication comes down to problem solving and intimacy. Good communication clarifies problems and creates closeness between partners, while poor communication intensifies issues and creates distance between partners.
People exhibit good communication when they:
- Pay attention and listen while their partner speaks
- Listen to understand, rather than listen to respond
- Validate their partner’s thoughts and feelings (often by acknowledging and repeating back some of what was said)
- Ask questions
- Understand, even when their partner has different perspectives and opinions
- Don’t raise their voice
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