Joanna Wilson
A strong relationship is founded on the essential principle of communication. Without it, the relationship would cease to exist. Partners ought to engage in open communication, connect with each other, and consider each other’s perspectives when facing significant decisions.
Now that you know how crucial communication is, you should ask yourself, “What are the best ways to communicate for a long-lasting, healthy relationship?” However, you should realize that if you don’t work at it.
Stated differently, you must be motivated to use these strategies and execute them well. Thus, these ten communication strategies are essential for any marriage to understand.
Successful communication strategies for a happy partnership
Before you speak, go through your emotions.
Some people cannot consider that things are generally disastrous. Try to process your feelings before speaking, especially if you’re upset. This will allow you to relax and prevent any confrontations that might arise from anger management issues.
To help you relax and think, take a short stroll, play calming music, or do soothing tasks like dishwashing. Once you’re calmer, you can talk to your partner about anything you want to talk about.
Pick the appropriate moment
It’s important to find the right moments to chat with your partner. It’s not a good idea to confront your partner when they’re already feeling down. Even if they’re in the wrong, they probably won’t hear you out and might just turn it around on you, which can mess with your feelings.
Just hold off until they’re feeling better. You can boost the improvement by doing something that might bring them some joy. For example, you could whip up his favorite meal or tell a joke to get her laughing, and so on.
When they’re feeling better, you can share what you need to say in a polite way, so they don’t feel caught off guard or surprised.
Try using “I” statements
Using “I” statements is a great way to share your understanding, beliefs, ideas, and feelings. But, using “you” statements just makes it seem like you understand your partner’s beliefs, ideas, and feelings based on your own perspective. It can really sting, especially if you find yourself in the wrong, and that can lead to problems spiraling in ways you didn’t see coming.
Basically, when “I” says, “I didn’t like what you said the other day,” it’s different from the “you” statement that goes, “you said something dumb to me the other day.”
Stay present
It really stings when you’re trying to share something, and the person you’re talking to seems distracted by something else. It’s not cool to bring up old issues that aren’t related to what’s happening now. The first one can leave you feeling ignored and overlooked, while the second might put your partner on the defensive, which usually doesn’t end well for anyone involved.
When you want to be present, just look your partner in the eye. If you can, go ahead and turn off the TV and put away your phone or any other devices. You both should have a chat without all these distractions around.
Hey, just listen and try not to interrupt.
Make sure to really listen to what the other person is saying, and hold off on sharing your thoughts until they’re done talking. When you really listen, you get a better grasp of where your partner is coming from, and that helps you respond in a way that matters. It makes your partner feel appreciated and heard.
When you keep interrupting, your partner might not take it well, and things can get out of hand pretty fast.
Go ahead and say back what you heard.
One great way to connect with your partner is by repeating what they just said to you. This will show them that you were paying attention, even if it seemed like you weren’t.
Just rephrase what they mentioned. So, let’s say your partner says, “I went to the market today, but I couldn’t find the jeans you wanted.” How about saying, “So, you went to the market and couldn’t find those jeans?” Have you checked out so and so market yet?
This is a great way to show your partner that you were really paying attention.
Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification
Rather than cutting off your partner, why not just ask them to clarify what they meant? It can really help clear things up! There are times when we just can’t find the right words to say what we really mean. Asking for clarification really helps your partner feel comfortable to share more and dive deeper into what they’re trying to say.
This will make it easier for you to understand them and help you both feel closer to each other.
It’s important to value what your partner thinks.
Try not to roll your eyes or scoff when your partner is sharing their thoughts. Even if you don’t see eye to eye with what they’re saying, it’s important to respect their opinion.
One simple way to ruin your communication with your partner is by being condescending about their opinions. Not listening to them can really make them feel overlooked, and that might hurt their self-esteem. It’s really important for couples to respect each other and support each other’s goals together. When one person keeps ignoring what the other thinks, how can you really expect that relationship to stay healthy?
Just be honest.
You don’t have to sugarcoat your words just to keep your partner happy. It’s totally possible to be straightforward while still being kind and considerate of their feelings. For example, rather than saying she looks like Miss Universe in that dress when it’s not true, you might say something like, “babe, you’re beautiful, but that dress really doesn’t suit you.”
Staying quiet when you really should be voicing your thoughts won’t do your relationship any favors. Open up about how you feel, own up to your mistakes, and say you’re sorry. Opening up and sharing your true feelings with each other can really strengthen your bond.
