11 Ways To Communicate More Effectively For A Better Relationship

Sep 03, 2018 by apost team

The key to having a healthy relationship is communication. The only problem is actually learning how to communicate effectively. Having a good conversation is not the same thing as understanding what the other person is really saying. To build a healthy, happy relationship, you need the right communication tips and techniques. 

When you get into an argument, it is far too easy to focus entirely on making yourself heard. Sometimes, you may forget to listen. For an argument to get resolved, both partners have to understand each other's perspective. Try asking questions to understand what your partner is really trying to say. This will also make your partner feel like you respect his or her opinion. 

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Some people are full of energy when they return home from work. Other individuals need a few hours to relax before they think about anything. You need to have deep conversations when both of you are able to actually listen. Also, avoid blindsiding your partner with a sudden, deep conversation when you know that he or she is not ready for it. 

Sometimes, an argument can get too heated for either of you to listen. When you are too upset to calm down and listen, you need to take a break. A little distance can help you gain perspective and become less emotional. 

Nonverbal communication is actually more important than what someone says. When you listen to your partner, pay attention to their tone, stance, gestures and eye contact. The nonverbal communication will give you better insight into what the other person is really saying. 

Human beings use communication to express ourselves and connect. When you listen to someone else, pay attention to how they feel. Plus, your partner is more likely to listen to you if you are a good listener. 

After an argument, it is far too easy to hold a grudge. Unfortunately, your relationship will never develop if you remain focused on the past. A former resentment or grudge can prevent you from seeing the current issue. Instead, focus on the present. What steps can you take right now to fix the problem? 

Texting might be a simple way to communicate, but it is hard to understand the person's tone or underlying meaning in a text. This is especially true in a stressful situation. If you are having an argument or a heated discussion, do not talk about it in a text. When the conversation is an important one, you need to absorb all of the nonverbal cues like tone and body language to really understand what your partner is trying to say. 

There are two ways that an argument will work out. If you cannot forgive, the relationship will eventually end now or later. For the relationship to continue, you have to forgive at some point. Otherwise, you will keep punishing the other person until they are no longer willing to stay with you. You do not have to forget the past, but you do need to forgive at some point if you want the relationship to work out. 

You have to be selective about your battles. Some topics are just not worth your time. If you do not genuinely care about what happens, let your partner win. Sometimes, it is more important to resolve a conflict than to be right. 

When you have a disagreement, genuinely listen to your partner's perspective. If you dismiss their point of view, it will feel like you are dismissing them as a person. Try not to attack or yell when you disagree. Instead, remain calm and rationally discuss the problem. If you absolutely cannot find a solution, agree to disagree. Sometimes, you have to accept that there are problems that cannot be solved.

If you refuse to listen to your partner, how can you expect them to listen to you? Listening and communicating are a two-way street. Ask questions, listen to the answers and be receptive. Sometimes, you have to face hard, unflattering truths. If it is difficult to hear the answer, you do not have to respond right away. Ask for time to think about your partner's response and then answer them when you have thought about the problem more. 

What communication secrets do you use to make your relationships work well? Let us know in the comments, and show this to your friends and your family to help them improve their relationships!