How to Build a Clear Line of Communication with Someone You Love
Sustaining a healthy and long lasting relationship is all in your level of communication. Is that a bold statement? Probably, but it’s undeniably true.
There’s nothing more frustrating than not being heard or understood by the ones we love. Very often when we don't feel understood by the people closest to us, we don’t feel understood by the world. And that can be a really overwhelming experience. Miscommunication is going to happen, because we are human with a limited capacity for expressing how we feel, and why we’re feeling the way we do. BUT, that doesn’t mean there aren’t methods for improving and constantly working on our communication skills with the ones we love. We can all work a little harder on our communication. None of us are perfect.
If you want to sustain a healthy and loving relationship with the people who matter most to you, here are some ways we can all improve on our communication skills.
Ask Questions: Both Lighthearted and Deeper Questions
One of the most effective methods for improving communication is by asking questions. Instead of making assumptions, or coming to your own conclusions, how about asking open ended questions, giving your partner, child, parent, friend, etc. the possibility to explain or talk about themselves?
Some of us are not as confident at expressing how we’re feeling as others. Some people need to be gently asked something as simple as, “How are you feeling today?” or, “Why do you think you reacted that way? What do you think might have triggered that reaction?” We all have different emotional boundaries and some people need to be asked, “What’s on your mind?” in order to get something off their chest.
Patience is Always a Virtue
Being patient with the people we care about is so incredibly valuable. We can all be a little more patient, wouldn’t you agree? While patience isn’t always an easy practice, we love it when people are patient with us and we can make the effort to be a little more patient with others.
Being patient when others are expressing themselves can have a huge impact on our overall communication and relationship. We want to give other people the chance to express themselves at the pace they need to find the right words - so they too can feel heard. And who knows? Maybe our partners will reflect our growing patience and we’ll receive the same kindness and attention too.
Channel Your Powerful Intuition and Compassion
Being sensitive enough to pick up on how others are feeling beyond the words they use to express themselves is truly a skill. Sometimes we say we are fine when we’re really not fine. Sometimes we act hostile and cold because of something that’s going on in our lives that has nothing to do with the person receiving the cold shoulder. Very often we assume it’s something we’ve said or done, but how about trying to read this person who you love, in order to understand if they just need some space, if they need a lot of affection, a good time, or if they need to get something off of their chest. Your intuitive antennas will know exactly what they need. Follow that intuition with compassion and see where it takes your relationship.
Honesty is Also a Virtue, and Powerful One Too!
Not everything we have to say is going to be all flowery and friendly. We don’t have to communicate in an aggressive or frustrated way, but sometimes we need to be honest with the ones we love, even when what we have to admit or say might not be that easy to say or hear.
Being honest with those we love builds trust and builds the relationship, even if we think they might get angry or upset with what we have to say. Eventually if they love us and they know we love them, they will hopefully respect us for our honesty. Many of us who struggle with perfectionism try to make everyone around us happy and suppress certain truths to avoid disrupting the harmony. BUT, honesty goes hand in hand with trust. Honesty is an indestructible building block in our relationships. And when we learn to be honest from the very start, no matter how hard it may be, our relationships and communication will benefit from it.
Make the Time to Talk
When we set aside time to talk with the people we care about, we are showing them that we care about them and value their opinions and feelings. It also gives us the opportunity to express the things we may have been thinking about, worrying about, or excited about. Setting aside a special time each week or month for just the two of you, will only facilitate a stronger connection between you and that person; for each of you to feel heard, understood and truly connected to another person on this planet. Isn’t it what we all truly desire after all?
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Pinterest: @authenticallybeyoubout. Setting aside a special time each week or month for just the two of you, will only facilitate a stronger connection between you and that person; for each of you to feel heard, understood and truly connected to another person on this planet. Isn’t it what we all truly desire after all?