Communication plays a pivotal role in relationships, as it allows partners to express their feelings and emotions. Also, it allows them to address their disappointments or conflicts. When communicated effectively, relationship issues can be managed with ease. However, if it is missing, the relationship will definitely suffer. Besides, it can also break the connection. Here, we will discuss the importance of clearly communicating in a relationship and how it can be used effectively to resolve the differences.

What Is a Great Communication in a Relationship?

What does it mean when we talk about “effective communication?” Is it merely the exchange of words or thoughts? Well! Effective communication includes acceptance, empathy, and intent to bring out the best solutions for a problem. Besides, it requires both partners to be on the same page about anything. It doesn’t mean that the disputes will not be there.

However, the intent must be to resolve an issue by coming to a middle ground. Expressing your anger or disappointment is also crucial in a relationship, or it will only worsen with time. Furthermore, there should be no hidden or vague elements in effective communication.

Important Characteristics of Effective Communication in a Relationship

Some of the key characteristics of effective communication are:

Active Listening

Active listening is very crucial in a relationship. When in a conversation, you need to listen attentively, interrupt for clarifications when required, and avoid judging. Thereafter, you can introspect and reflect back on what you’ve heard. It is not just a practice of hearing what others are saying but also aligning yourself to their thoughts and feelings.

Empathy

Empathy allows you to connect with others at a deeper level. Besides, it involves understanding and acknowledging the feelings and perspectives of the other person. When the person gets validated, one’s emotions and sharing it with them can provide great encouragement and support in a relationship. Thus, empathy is a powerful tool to foster trust and open communication between the partners.

Refraining From Judgement

Don’t come to a conclusion or make a judgment until your partner has finished talking. Only then you will be in a position to process and interpret the true intent or message. Contrarily, distracted by the judgement, you may formulate an impulsive response and thereafter, not be able to remain in the moment. You won’t be able to listen and start self-talking in your mind. Therefore, it is crucial to listen first without making judgement and reflect back over everything later.

Being in the Moment

When discussing an important moment, it is crucial to be all ears and avoid all kinds of distractions. Keep your cellphones or other distractions aside and empty your mind from the other thoughts, so that you can focus on the conversation. Thus, you can connect better, take useful insights from the communication and offer better solutions to a problem. On the other hand, being distracted now and then in a conversation gives the impression that you are not even interested.

Showing Acceptance

Acceptance is an important element of the effective communication. It means that the feelings and emotions of the other person in the conversation is valid. They can feel what they are feeling, because they are also an individual like you. People often think that their thoughts, feelings, and emotions are valid, while critically examine the other. It can be different from your thoughts, or feelings, but you need to accept that.

Understanding and Expressing

Communication is a two-way process. Two people involves in a conversation must understand and validate the needs and feelings of each other. Besides, they also need to express their thoughts and feelings as well. Problems start to arise when one partner feel cornered. It can be anyone, so understanding others and making them understand yourself, both are equally important.

Resolving Conflicts

The intent of the effective communication is always resolving the conflicts. It keeps blaming and criticism at bay. Blaming simply implies that we are making our partners feel at fault, that can lead to resentment and defensiveness. Besides, criticism can evoke the insecurity causing the listener to be self-contained and not participating openly in the conversation.

What To Avoid While Communicating in a Relationship?

Now that you know how to make an effective communication in a relationship, it is equally important to know what things you need to avoid. Check the list:

  • Refrain yourself from making assumptions about what your partner is thinking or feeling.
  • Don’t bring in criticism and blame. The original conversation loses its purpose and turns negative.
  • Avoid passive-aggressive behavior, regardless of if it seems harmless, accidental or neutral, but your body language also plays a crucial role in the conversation. Keep it positive.
  • Don’t give each other the silent treatment when an important issue needs to be addressed.
  • Not listening to other’s perspectives and already giving your verdict. Keep in mind that it is not always about you.
  • Having the same argument is a loop without even trying to get to a conclusion.

Winding Up!

This post elaborates on how you can effectively communicate in a relationship and use it to resolve your conflicts. Besides, it also enlists what you need to avoid while communicating with your partner. Implementing these tips in your relationship can be helpful. However, things can go so out of hands in the instances. In such a case, you can seek professional help from a relationship counselor, wherein both partners can speak their hearts out without being judged and get genuine and unbiased insights.