Good communication is the foundation of every relationship.
Being able to express yourself while also listening to what the other person has to say is crucial for sustaining a healthy bond.
Sadly, there are far too many people with poor conversational skills.
If you believe there is room for improvement in your communication with your partner, your friends and family, your colleagues, or anyone else who truly matters to you, keep reading!
Here are 5 essential elements of wholesome communication:
1. Focus on the present moment.
In communication, it is crucial to be concentrated on the here and now. Getting distracted with past issues will likely shift the focus and bring unnecessary negative emotions into the present topic. Simply put, if you and your partner are currently discussing that vacation you have been planning for months, don’t start attacking them for that time they were late for the flight, and you had to reschedule your trip. It is in the past. You have already talked about it a million times. They have apologized. Let it go and focus on the present moment.
2. Don’t turn any conversation into an argument.
You and your partner are two separate individuals with different perspectives, different interests, and different beliefs. While there are many things that unite you, there are some you two can never agree on. However, this shouldn’t be a reason for you to turn every discussion into a heated debate. Whenever things go that way, and none of you wants to step back, try processing your feelings before attacking one another. Give yourself time to understand where the other comes from and formulate your argument so they can understand you. You don’t have to have the same opinion about everything, but you need to accept each other’s views if you want to sustain healthy communication.
3. Listen.
When communicating with anyone, not just your partner, make sure you listen to what they have to say. Pay attention to the emotions they carry with their words and reflect on what you heard. Let them know you are engaged in the discussion as much as they are. Being a good listener is more than just sitting quietly until someone’s talking. It is being mindful of the other person’s words, feelings, and emotions during the conversation.
4. Be attentive about the nonverbal signs too.
Body language is something you should always pay attention to, especially in conversations. The way a person carries themselves tells a lot about them even when they don’t say a word. A single facial expression can let you know how their whole day went. The speed of their tone can show how excited they are. The way they check the time while you speak may tell you they are either in a hurry, or they are absolutely annoyed by you. There are many signs you can pick up on. Just observe.
5. Be objective when taking big decisions.
When you are about to make a massive decision about your relationship, make sure you are looking at the whole picture. Being overly emotional might blur your vision about the reality you live in or lead you to completely ignore your partner’s perspective. To avoid that, remember to be objective when it comes to making big steps as a couple.
Communication is a key element in every relationship. By following the above-mentioned techniques you should notice a drastic improvement not just in your conversational skills, but in your bonds with your partner, your family, your friends, and everyone else in your circle.
