Communication: A key to Relationships

What is communication?

By definition, communication is the transfer of information from one place to another. In relationships, communication allows you to explain what you are experiencing and what your needs are in relationships. The act of communicating not only helps to meet your needs, but also helps you to be connected in your relationship.

Many of you have heard this saying before,” communication is the key to all relationships” or if you haven’t, we have now introduced it to you. All relationships, whether with a colleague or partner, require open communication channels. An open communication channel builds the foundation for a lasting successful relationship.

Many people know that having solid communication is the key element of every, but not everyone takes the time to learn what their partner needs emotionally and physically. Misunderstanding your partner and holding things back from one another can lead to resentment and a general spell of unhappiness in your relationship. This is why learning to read one another and communicating openly is so important in maintaining a happy, healthy union.

 

Talk to each other. No matter how well you know and love each other, you cannot read your partner’s mind. We need to communicate clearly to avoid misunderstandings that may cause hurt, anger, resentment, or confusion.

It takes two people to have a relationship and each person has different communication needs and styles. Couples need to find a way of communicating that suits their relationship. Healthy communication styles require practice and hard work. Communication will never be perfect all the time.

Be clear when communicating with your partner, so that your message can be received and understood. Double-check your understanding of what your partner is saying.

When we communicate, we can say a lot without speaking. Our body posture, tone of voice, and the expressions on our faces all convey a message. These non-verbal means of communicating can tell the other person how we feel about them.

If our feelings don’t fit with our words, non-verbal communication often gets ‘heard’ and believed. For example, saying ‘I love you to your partner in a flat, bored tone of voice, gives two very different messages. Notice whether your body language reflects what you are saying.

When you talk to your partner, try to:

• set aside time to talk without interruption from other people or distractions like phones, computers, or television
• think about what you want to say
• be clear about what you want to communicate
• make your message clear, so that your partner hears it accurately and understands what you mean
• talk about what is happening and how it affects you
• talk about what you want, need, and feel – use ‘I’ statements such as ‘I need’, ‘I want, and ‘I feel’
• accept responsibility for your own feelings
• listen to your partner. Put aside your own thoughts for the time being and try to understand their intentions, feelings, needs, and wants (this is called empathy)
• Share positive feelings with your partner, such as what you appreciate and admire about them, and how important they are to you
• be aware of your tone of voice
• negotiate and remember that you don’t have to be right all the time. If the issue you are having is not that important, try to let the issue go, or agree to disagree.