Written by: Jacqueline Neuwirth, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. It's the channel through which partners share their thoughts, feelings, and expectations.
Effective communication in relationships fosters understanding, trust, and respect, making it easier for couples to navigate the complexities of life together. In this article, I'll share various aspects of communication in relationships and provide practical tips on how to enhance this vital skill.
Why are communication skills so important
Communication in a relationship is more than just exchanging information. It's about understanding the emotions and intentions behind the information. Effective communication can resolve conflicts, build trust, and deepen the emotional connection between partners. It’s a tool for expressing love, respect, and care. Conversely, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and a weakened emotional bond.
The basics of effective communication skills
Effective communication in intimate relationships involves several key elements:
Active Listening: This means truly hearing what your partner is saying, without planning your response while they're talking. It involves paying attention to body language and non-verbal cues.
Clarity and Honesty: Be clear about what you are saying and why. Honesty helps in building trust.
Empathy: Try to understand things from your partner’s perspective. This does not necessarily mean agreeing with them, but it does mean valuing their feelings and viewpoint.
Respectful Language: Avoid harsh words and criticism. Instead, focus on constructive ways to express your feelings.
Non-verbal communication skills
To improve communication, you can also learn non-verbal communication, which is as important as verbal communication in relationships. This includes:
body language
Eye contact
Positive tone of voice
A gentle touch or a warm smile can convey love and understanding without words.
Being aware of your non-verbal signals and reading your partner's cues can significantly enhance communication.
Managing conflicts through communication in a relationship
Conflict is inevitable in relationships, but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Effective communication can turn conflicts into opportunities for growth and improve communication. Here are some strategies:
Stay Calm: Avoid discussing serious matters when you are emotionally charged.
Use “I” Statements: Instead of blaming, express how you feel and what you need.
Listen to Understand, Not to Respond: Give your partner your full attention.
Find Common Ground: Focus on finding solutions that work for both of you.
The role of empathy in communication
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. In communication, it helps in acknowledging and respecting your partner's feelings, even if you don't agree with them. Empathetic communication builds a deeper emotional connection and helps resolve conflicts more amicably.
The importance of timing and environment
Choosing the right time and environment for important conversations is crucial. Avoid starting discussions about serious matters when your partner is tired, stressed, or distracted. Find a quiet, comfortable space where you both feel safe to open up.
Communication in different stages of a relationship
Communication needs vary at different stages of a relationship. In the early stages, it’s about getting to know each other and establishing trust. As the relationship matures, communication deepens, involving more vulnerability and honesty. In long-term relationships, maintaining open communication is key to adapting to life changes and sustaining the connection.
Poor communication habits vs healthy communication in a relationship
Communication issues in a relationship will take time. It's easy to read a list of tips on how to communicate better and nod along, but in the heat of an actual argument, many of those insights go flying out the window.
Give yourself grace, and simply work on catching yourself in the moment when negative communication habits rear their head. Once you notice that's happened, collect yourself, apologize to your partner, and try again. Good communication takes practice, but with time, these communication tips will start to become second nature.
Signs of poor communication
Ignoring issues and hard conversations
Passive aggressive behavior
Making assumptions
Avoiding conflict
Avoiding eye contact
What to do if your partner is a poor communicator
If you're not sure how to communicate in a relationship, try introducing these strategies the next time you interact with your partner. Over time, with practice and knowledge, you'll become more aware of communication habits and learn better ways to express your thoughts and needs to one another.
Here are a few:
Understand, rather than listen to respond.
Validate their partner's thoughts and feelings (often by acknowledging and repeating back some of what was said)
Ask questions Understand, even when their partner has different perspectives and opinions
Don't raise your voice
Don't interrupt
Find the right setting. When you're exhausted or overwhelmed, it can be difficult to have a real (let alone positive) discussion. If you and your partner need to have a meaningful conversation, or if you've been struggling.
Good communication skills
Effective Communication skills that is based on mutually agreed upon, nonjudgmental understanding and vulnerability," clinical psychologist Jennifer Guttman, Psy.D., previously told Mind Body Green. "By doing this, you will create healthy reciprocity and a loving language that maintains mutual respect in your relationship." Couples who practice communication skills, tell each other about their fears and frustrations rather than hiding how they truly feel out of fear of judgment or causing division. But the key is that they're able to communicate those tougher feelings without hurting each other or negatively impacting the relationship in the process.
Schedule a recurring relationship meeting
“The first thing I do with clients who walk on eggshells with their partners is have them schedule a weekly relationship meeting with their partner,” says Sterling. You can use this designated time to practice good communication skills while discussing the week's challenges and wins, reinforcing that conversations don't have to lead to conflict, she says.
Creating a fulfilling relationship, is an ongoing process of learning and growth. There are many different communication styles and often difficult conversations. It's important to be on the same page about the need to have better communication. It involves listening, understanding, empathy, and respect. By prioritizing open and honest communication, couples can build stronger, more fulfilling relationships that withstand the test of time.
As a Certified Life Coach, I provide couples coaching to help people to develop a healthy partnership and peaceful environment in and communicate in a healthy manner.
To schedule a free chat to talk about how I can support you visit my website and click on the Book a free chat button.
Jacqueline Neuwirth, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Jacqueline Neuwirth is an experienced Certified Life and Relationship Coach, CPP and Master Certified Neurolinguistic Programming Expert, MNLP. She supports clients in the full spectrum of love and relationship coaching including dating and finding love, healing from a breakup or heartache, navigating an existing relationship or deciding to stay or leave. Jacqueline is helps her clients foster confidence, self-esteem, and build communication skills which assist clients in all aspects of life, including family, career and friendships. Combining a holistic and strategic approach, Jacqueline helps people transform fear, confusion and anxiety into love, freedom, and success.
Her coaching incorporates a lifelong study of both Eastern and Western philosophy plus her ten year journey of working one-on-one with a Zen monk. To assist her clients, she incorporates Attachment Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Non-Violent Communication, Shamanic Studies and the Law of Attraction Principles. In addition, she brings in knowledge from a host of amazing teachers including Eckhart Tolle, Joe Dispenza, Bruce Lipton, Thich Nhat Hahn, Brené Brown, Esther Perel, Michael Singer, John Gottman, Helen Fisher and many more.
Jacqueline draws on her history as an award-winning entrepreneur, and previous owner of a 25-year career as a designer and art director working for Fortune 500 companies, along with a successful career as an exhibiting fine art oil painter with gallery representation across the US. She is also a mom, friend, sister, and inspired by all things related to personal development and finding joy, easy and flow in life!
If you are ready to make lasting change, visit her website and sign up for a free consultation at www.jacquelineneuwirth.com
