Good communication is a fundamental part of a healthy relationship. When people stop communicating, they stop relating well, and times of stress and change can really bring out disconnect. As long as you are communicating you can work through whatever problem you’re facing.
Each of us is a little different in how we best receive information. Some people may respond better to sight, sound or touch. Your partner’s responses may be different than yours. Take some time and learn your partner’s cues, and be sure to communicate yours as well. For example, one person may find a brief massage after a stressful day a loving mode of communication – while another might prefer to talk over a hot cup of tea.
Honest, direct communication is a key part of any relationship. When both people feel comfortable expressing their needs, fears and desires, trust and bonds are strengthened. Critical to communication are non-verbal cues – body language like eye contact, leaning forward or away, or touching someone’s arm.
For a relationship to work well, each person has to be receptive to sending and receiving non-verbal cues. Learning to understand this “body language” can help you better understand what your partner is saying.
Conflict is inevitable in relationships, however in order to keep the relationship strong, both people need to feel they’ve been heard. The goal is not to win but to resolve the conflict with respect and love.
Here are some ways to make sure you are respectfully resolving conflict: 1) Make sure you are fighting fair 2) Don’t attack your partner directly but use “I” statements to communicate how you feel 3) Don’t drag old arguments into the mix 4) Keep the focus on the issue at hand, and respect the other person
Effective Communication is essential and important in relationships. Put a premium on openness, find ways to be honest, express yourself, and share ideas. Share your problems, the good and the bad, this will strengthen and deepen communication in the relationship.
Relationship Talk
Commit to spending quality time together on a regular basis. No quality time, and communication and understanding start to erode. Even during busy and high stress times, spending a few moments to share and connect will keep the communication bond strong. What can you and your loved one do today to communicate more effectively?
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[…] The purpose of realistic expectations is to build a successful relationship one day at a time. You may find that this particular person isn’t even your type, and if you take things slow then it will make ending the relationship much easier if it must happen. More importantly however, if the person is right for you, you will give enough time and space for both of you to make informed decisions about your feelings. Take time to have fun and get to know the person. Just be yourself, stay laid back, and let things unfold as they will. If it’s a relationship that is meant to last, it will. Just remember that realistic expectations are the key to a successful relationship. […]