Communication isn’t just about talking to your partner, it’s about really understanding and acknowledging what your partner is saying and feeling. Everybody has a different level of skills when it comes to communication, and just like any other skill better communication can be learned.
Communication can make or break relationships, try these guidelines for better communication in your relationship:
Get specific. There is too much room for misinterpretation when you use vague words. Avoid giving your opinions, interpretations, or generalizations when you are having communication problems. They are invitations to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Be accountable. Each of us has a choice about what we say and do, no matter how we feel. Don’t excuse your behavior or blame it on others or on your childhood.
Acknowledge feelings and points of view. Listening to and acknowledging to the other person’s feelings and points of view can bypass many arguments and misunderstandings. Don’t try to correct others or rebut their points of view or feelings. Just listen and see if you can understand what the other person is trying to communicate. You don’t have to agree, but don’t dismiss or minimize their feelings.
Break your patterns. Change your part of any pattern that isn’t currently working. Do anything that is not cruel, unethical, or distasteful to your partner that would be different from what you usually do in the situation.
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