The ability of the two persons to communicate effectively is a critical component of any healthy relationship. This means that maintaining successful relationships is mostly determined by their level of comfort and confidence whether communicating verbally or nonverbally. Having poor communication skills is frequently the root cause of many mental health challenges. Some of the leading causes of divorce and family destruction are the tendency of saying yes to whatever others say or the failure to communicate your feelings gently. So, what are the most important communication skills to acquire to have better, healthier relationships? Two such skills are boundary setting and assertive communication.
Did you know that all the ‘power couples’ that you see around have had their set of struggles in their relationship before they become so ideal? They worked on their communication skills and learned some effective ways to stay together through all thick and thin. So, what are those effective steps you should keep in mind while communicating with your partner (or any other loved one) to have a healthy relationship and a happier ‘you’? Read on to explore them one by one:
STEP 1: BE PROACTIVE AND EMPATHIC
The act of sitting together and being with one another through both happy and sad times is a kind of communication just as important as talking. If you take the initiative, you will not point the finger of blame at your partner for the difficulties you are experiencing. You should always bear in mind that you are the one who is accountable for how you feel and what you obtain. When you are communicating with your match, you should demonstrate empathy and make an effort to put yourself in their shoes. If you do this, even when things are at their worst, you will be able to keep your composure and your patience.
STEP 2: BE A NON-JUDGEMENTAL, ACTIVE LISTENER
When your partner attempts to tell you their side of the story or express a complaint, do not simply judge and advise them without their request. Be a good listener, patiently hear them out, and make them feel validated. Your eye contact, kind smile, and hearing them could make them feel supported, and you can express the good vibes without saying anything.
STEP 3: ADOPT A MORE ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION STYLE
In many relationships a cause of distress is poor communication. Either the couple adopts a passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive style of communication which is toxic and fruitless. The best style of communication is assertive in which you take care of your emotions and likes while respecting your partner’s choices too. It is a win-win for both the partners and with this straight and practical style of communication, things do not get ugly and your relationship keeps thriving.
STEP 4: SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Did you know that according to Forbes, setting healthy boundaries is the key to leading a happy and balanced life? If you wish to have a healthy life and relationships, you must learn the skill of setting boundaries. Our boundaries are guidelines or regulations that specify how we wish to be treated – what is and is not acceptable. A boundary can be used to suggest that someone modify their conduct (for example telling others to change their tone). Conversely, a boundary might be something you establish in order to safeguard your well-being (for example, blocking some people or avoiding meeting them because of their toxicity) So, relationships function best when our expectations and wants are very clear and by establishing clear, consistent boundaries, we can voice ourselves and retain others' respect too.
Even with the closest relations, we need to set healthy boundaries to lead happier lives. You must keep your priorities straight and not allow even your beloved partner to trespass the boundaries set by you. For instance, politely but firmly telling your spouse, "I don't feel respected right now, this behavior hurts me" will set this boundary for them. This way, the relationship has room to improve as the communication remains respectful and meaningful.
STEP 5: USE ‘I’ STATEMENTS
Firmly but politely, using the “I” statements puts a lot of value in your communication. When you use “I” statements like “I feel misunderstood” or “I don't want to do anything to hurt you”; a lot of meaning and clarity are added. This makes your partner feel valued and the message is also put across healthily and effectively. The cherry on top is the blooming of your relationship in the long run.
THE BOTTOMLINE!
To conclude, it is important to remember that relationships can thrive or collapse because of the style of communication we maintain. So, even if you feel your partner isn’t understanding you enough, try to take the lead and set an example of how maintaining a healthy communication style can result in a happier and fulfilled life and relationship.
STEP 1: BE PROACTIVE AND EMPATHIC
The act of sitting together and being with one another through both happy and sad times is a kind of communication just as important as talking. If you take the initiative, you will not point the finger of blame at your partner for the difficulties you are experiencing. You should always bear in mind that you are the one who is accountable for how you feel and what you obtain. When you are communicating with your match, you should demonstrate empathy and make an effort to put yourself in their shoes. If you do this, even when things are at their worst, you will be able to keep your composure and your patience.
STEP 2: BE A NON-JUDGEMENTAL, ACTIVE LISTENER
When your partner attempts to tell you their side of the story or express a complaint, do not simply judge and advise them without their request. Be a good listener, patiently hear them out, and make them feel validated. Your eye contact, kind smile, and hearing them could make them feel supported, and you can express the good vibes without saying anything.
STEP 3: ADOPT A MORE ASSERTIVE COMMUNICATION STYLE
In many relationships a cause of distress is poor communication. Either the couple adopts a passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive style of communication which is toxic and fruitless. The best style of communication is assertive in which you take care of your emotions and likes while respecting your partner’s choices too. It is a win-win for both the partners and with this straight and practical style of communication, things do not get ugly and your relationship keeps thriving.
STEP 4: SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES
Did you know that according to Forbes, setting healthy boundaries is the key to leading a happy and balanced life? If you wish to have a healthy life and relationships, you must learn the skill of setting boundaries. Our boundaries are guidelines or regulations that specify how we wish to be treated – what is and is not acceptable. A boundary can be used to suggest that someone modify their conduct (for example telling others to change their tone). Conversely, a boundary might be something you establish in order to safeguard your well-being (for example, blocking some people or avoiding meeting them because of their toxicity) So, relationships function best when our expectations and wants are very clear and by establishing clear, consistent boundaries, we can voice ourselves and retain others' respect too.
Even with the closest relations, we need to set healthy boundaries to lead happier lives. You must keep your priorities straight and not allow even your beloved partner to trespass the boundaries set by you. For instance, politely but firmly telling your spouse, "I don't feel respected right now, this behavior hurts me" will set this boundary for them. This way, the relationship has room to improve as the communication remains respectful and meaningful.
STEP 5: USE ‘I’ STATEMENTS
Firmly but politely, using the “I” statements puts a lot of value in your communication. When you use “I” statements like “I feel misunderstood” or “I don't want to do anything to hurt you”; a lot of meaning and clarity are added. This makes your partner feel valued and the message is also put across healthily and effectively. The cherry on top is the blooming of your relationship in the long run.
THE BOTTOMLINE!
To conclude, it is important to remember that relationships can thrive or collapse because of the style of communication we maintain. So, even if you feel your partner isn’t understanding you enough, try to take the lead and set an example of how maintaining a healthy communication style can result in a happier and fulfilled life and relationship.
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