Communication in a relationship is key to finding happiness and success with your significant other. The more the two of you communicate, in any form, the less likely it is that you will experience challenges that you cannot overcome. When you open the line of communication with your significant other, you will find that no problem is insurmountable. You will also find honesty and trustworthiness becoming commonplace. The team from Marriage Couple’s Counseling has compiled a list of the top five ways you can improve your communication patterns and take the first steps towards a stronger relationship.
Talk in a Comfortable Setting
When you need to talk to your spouse or significant other about something important, make sure you do so in a comfortable setting. Don’t get too comfortable, though. For example, don’t discuss the family budget or other money issues while lying in bed at night. If the topic for discussion is very troublesome or particularly difficult, try to have it in a neutral location where you and your partner have privacy.
Offer Your Full Attention
When talking with your significant other, be sure to always offer your full attention, even if you are having a lighthearted discussion. Don’t stare at your phone, tablet, or television screen. Talk to your spouse and let them know you are listening when they are speaking. Providing them with your undivided attention will help avoid communication problems and show that you truly care about what they have to say.
Never Interrupt
Even when you are having an easygoing discussion, you should never interrupt your significant other. This can easily become a habit and make them feel underappreciated. Communicating in a relationship is not easy. You need to know when to say things that might surprise your loved one or even hurt them, but you must be honest with yourself and them in order to succeed.
Look for Nonverbal Cues
Nonverbal cues play a big role in how two people communicate with each other, especially in an intimate relationship. The majority of times an argument happens in a relationship is not because of what was said, but because of how it was said. When you say something to your spouse or fiance and add body language, tone of voice, or inflection, you might notice that what you said is misunderstood. Always be mindful of your nonverbal cues when communicating in a relationship.
Stay on Topic
You need to remain on one topic as much as possible when having a serious conversation with your spouse. A conversation can easily turn into an argument. That argument could then wind up bringing up topics from years ago. You need to remain on one topic as much as possible in order to effectively communicate with your partner.
Keep it Flowing
Keep the conversation and overall communication flowing in order to succeed. Be open to new ideas, listen more than you speak, encourage your spouse to talk to you, and try to understand their line of thinking.
Schedule an Appointment for Counseling
Even after trying to implement these tips in your line of communications at home, you might still need help communicating with your spouse. Call Marriage Couple’s Counseling today at 212-673-4618 to schedule an appointment for counseling.
