"Communication is key." This statement has been said to pretty much everyone at least once in their life. So if communication is key, where do we find this key? Sometimes it feels like we have lost that key. Or it is hidden in one of those hide-a-key rocks, and there are a thousand rocks outside.
All of us who have relationships have struggled with communication. It comes in friendships, family relationships, romantic relationships, and work relationships, to name the main ones. But each of these relationships are in our lives so we can learn how to be better communicators, and not only express ourselves effectively but learn how to meet others needs and get our needs met as well.
Thankfully with these helpful tips, we can find that key, make a million copies of the communication key, and never lose sight of it. We can unlock the door to healthy communication and can witness how lovely it is.
1. Your partner cannot read your mind.
Unless your significant other is psychic, there is a good chance he or she cannot read your mind. I know you may think you are being obvious about how you feel or what you are thinking, but if you are not saying it clearly, your partner is clueless. Stop thinking about how upset you are and communicate it through words.
2. Talk it out in person
Discussing significant issues should always be done in person. I know it is easy to say things through text, but that is taking the easy and unhealthy way out. If you text it out, there is bound to be miscommunication. Your partner cannot hear the tone of your voice or go off of your body language. You two will find yourself lost in translation. So, leave the big stuff for a face to face conversation.
3. Speak your truth
You can't go around in your relationship walking on eggshells and not being able to say how you honestly feel. You need to be open with your heart and your words. Sometimes honesty is hard to hear, but it is a necessity for a healthy relationship. Whether it is telling your mate you do not want to move in together just yet, or speaking up in the bedroom about what your needs are — honesty is the best policy.
4. Active listening
There is listening, and then there is active listening. Active listening involves letting your significant other know that you are 100% listening and hearing what they are saying. This type of listening requires eye contact, repeating back what you heard, and your attention. So, looking at your phone while your girlfriend is talking to you is NOT active listening.
5. "I" statements
This means, instead of attacking your partner with "you" statements, you take down your defenses and let your mate know how you are feeling. So, instead of saying, "You never help me around the house," you would say, "I feel upset when you don't help around the house." It sounds less accusatory and more approachable.
6. Notice body langage
Know your body, people — body language that is. When you are communicating, you have to be aware that your body is also saying something. It could just be a little eye roll or your arms crossed, but the body says it all. Make sure your body matches with your words.
7. Communicate through actions
It is crucial to know that you don't just communicate through your words — you are also showing how you feel through your actions. You know what they say, actions speak louder than words. You need to communicate your love for your partner through other ways than just by speaking. Show your lover that you care. Words can be meaninglessness if they are not met with proof.
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