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Relationship Self Help: Improving Communication

By Liz Johnson

In order to improve and enhance your relationship it is important that good communication skills are part and parcel of it. For many couples it is the number one cause for concern and the main motivating factor that prompts them to seek help. If communication issues are resolved the relationship will be better equipped to handle problems and challenges that occur, as well as making the couple feel closer.

Not only will good communication skills empower the couple to overcome any challenges that arise together, but proper communication also allows you to discuss your feelings and opinions in a more open, honest and direct way, even in they do differ from the other person's. In this self-help guide you will find five strategies that will improve communication between you and your partner should you choose to implement them.

1. Listening to your significant other is crucial to good communication. Well known leadership expert, John C. Maxwell is quoted as saying that the most important way of building positive and progressive relationships with other people is to actually listen when they speak, and this is most certainly true.

Nobody likes to feel as though they are unheard and ignored. By listening to what your significant other is saying you are letting them feel that you respect them enough to pay attention to them. When we learn to truly listen to each other the relationship will always benefit.

2. It is not always easy to understand each other, especially when emotions are high, so the second step is practicing your listening skills which is very important. The last thing you should do is work on something else while someone is talking to you. They deserve your undivided attention not only part of it. Besides it showing that you respect them enough to listen to them, it also enables you to better follow what they are attempting to convey, thereby avoiding unnecessary misunderstandings.

3. Do not interrupt the other person. Allow your partner to say what they want to say without interrupting their train of thought. Resist the urge to speak up until they are finished speaking. Once they have said what they needed to say to you you can then respond appropriately. By interrupting you make it difficult for them to explain themselves properly and you run the risk of misunderstanding them, which can also lead to arguments.

4. The forth step in good communication is understanding what is being said to you. By concentrating more on how your partner is feeling and less on your own thoughts and ideas is how you demonstrate empathy toward your partner. Put yourself in their position and strive to understand their reasons for feeling the way they do, as well as your involvement in the matter.

5. Be sure to let your partner know whenever you are unclear about something they have said. This lets them know that you are listening to them and that you are sincere when it comes to your commitment to fully understand what they are communicating and feeling. It also helps you because you will be able to respond appropriately to them thereby avoiding unnecessary contention and strife.

If you follow this relationship self help advice on improving communication, you will quickly discover that the relationship with take a turn on a road that is considered productive.

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