Practical Communication Skills for Healthy Relationships
It's no secret that communication is one of the top challenges in relationships. Communication is the foundation of any relationship, whether you've been with your partner for ten years or ten months. Understanding another person can be difficult, especially if they have a different perspective or communication style. Here are some practical communication skills for a healthy relationship.
Listen To Each Other
When communication breaks down, it's easy to argue for hours. This can not only make the situation worse but also escalate things beyond what they are. The best thing you can do is listen to each other before responding or getting defensive. Give your full attention by putting away phones or distractions and showing that you are truly hearing one another.
Keep Your Cool
The worst thing you can do during a disagreement is raise your voice, talk over each other, and let anger take over. This often happens when one or both of you feel unheard. Anger can escalate quickly when you're both trying to get a word in. The best way to diffuse the situation is to stay calm. Try saying, "I know we're both upset, but let's talk about this calmly," instead of yelling or interrupting. Staying calm will set a positive tone for the conversation.
Be Honest
It can be challenging for some people to be honest about their feelings, especially during arguments. Some avoid conflict and agree with the other person as an easy way out. However, this will only solve the problem in the short run, as it will likely resurface later. The best way to communicate is to be honest with each other, even if it's something the other person doesn't want to hear. Understanding each other's feelings helps get to the root of the issue and can improve communication in the future.
Show Empathy
It's natural to be focused on your perspective during a disagreement, but showing empathy can help you better understand what the other person is experiencing. Empathy is about trying to see things from their point of view. It involves putting yourself in their shoes and recognizing their emotions, even if you don't fully agree with them. This can help soften your feelings or at least allow you to understand your loved one rather than feeling angry toward what they are expressing.
Don't Lose Sight of Why You're Together
When you disagree with your significant other or face a communication roadblock, it's important to remember that you love each other. Eventually, you choose each other and appreciate what makes you unique. Differences in opinion shouldn't change the foundation of your relationship. Learning to communicate better not only helps you reconnect but can also make your bond even stronger.
Seek Individualized Guidance Separately
A communication breakdown is common and nothing to be ashamed of. The best way to improve communication is by working on your unique self. Sometimes, having a neutral third party can make all the difference. At Saltman Psychological Services, we can help you individually understand your personal feelings. This will help you reconnect and foster positivity in all of your relationships.
