I have been writing about the importance of Conversations & Communication between people[family] & with reference to relationship as well, but then there is so much to talk about, right? So, here is a 3rd post on this. Soe of the points shared here might seem repetitive, but hey the more you read about it, the more it gets registered, and you will be aware of it when talking.
“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.” — Oscar Wilde
Communication is one of the most important aspects of any relationship. It allows us to share our thoughts and feelings with each other, build trust, and resolve conflict. When communication breaks down, it can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and even divorce.
Let’s start with a small quiz of sorts… Are you an effective communicator?
But how can you know if you and your spouse are communicating effectively until it’s painfully obvious that you aren’t? Dr. Sinh suggests answering the following questions as truthfully as possible. These questions will help you identify areas where you excel and areas where you need to improve your communication skills:
- Can you tell your partner what you need without blaming, criticising, or scolding them?
- Can you listen to your partner’s needs without becoming defensive? And do you remember those requirements later on?
- Do you feel safe approaching your partner about a sensitive subject?
- Do you think about how what you say will affect your partner, both practically and emotionally?
- Can you maintain a patient, calm tone of voice with your partner when things become tense?
- Do you believe you have the authority to request space to calm down during a heated discussion?
- Can you offer your partner some space if asked?
- How do you generally feel following an emotional discussion with your partner?
Take some time asking yourself these questions and ponder over your responses. If needed, write them down~~! ok, so on to the next stage..
In case you are looking to improve communication in your relationship, here are a few tips:
1. Make time for each other.
In today’s busy world, it’s easy to let our relationships fall by the wayside. But it’s important to make time for each other, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. You can use this time to talk about your day, catch up on each other’s lives, or simply enjoy each other’s company.
2. Listen actively.
When your partner is talking to you, really listen to what they’re saying. Don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Make eye contact, nod your head, and ask questions. This will show your partner that you’re interested in what they have to say and that you respect their thoughts and feelings.
3. Be honest and open.
It’s important to be honest and open with your partner, even when it’s difficult. This means sharing your thoughts and feelings, even the negative ones. If you’re not honest with your partner, it will be difficult to build trust and have a healthy relationship.
4. Use “I” statements.
When you’re talking to your partner about something that’s bothering you, try using “I” statements. This will help you to express your feelings without blaming your partner. For example, instead of saying, “You always leave your dirty dishes in the sink,” you could say, “I feel frustrated when I have to clean up your dirty dishes.”
5. Avoid accusatory language.
Accusatory language will only put your partner on the defensive and make it difficult to have a productive conversation. Instead of saying, “You never help out around the house,” you could say, “I would really appreciate it if you would help out more with the housework.”
6. Take responsibility for your own feelings.
It’s important to remember that you are responsible for your own feelings. Don’t blame your partner for how you feel. If you’re upset, take some time to cool down and then talk to your partner about what’s bothering you.
7. Don’t bottle up your feelings.
If something is bothering you, don’t bottle it up. Talk to your partner about it. Talking about your feelings can help you to feel better and it can also help you to resolve the issue.
8. Show appreciation.
It’s important to show your partner that you appreciate them. Tell them how much you love and care for them. Do little things for them to show that you’re thinking of them.
9. Seek professional help if needed.
If you’re struggling to communicate with your partner, seek professional help. A therapist can help you to develop healthy communication skills and resolve any underlying issues that may be affecting your relationship.
Communication is an ongoing process. It takes time and effort to build strong communication skills. But it’s worth it. Strong communication can lead to a happier, healthier relationship… What are your thoughts?
