5 Ways to Communicate Better
5 Ways to Communicate Better
In relationships, communication allows you explain to someone else what you are experiencing and what your needs are. The act of communicating not only helps to meet your needs, but it also helps you to be connected in your relationship. Communication is important in any relationship, as it allows you to effectively share feelings, opinions and expectations. Many people fail to communicate due to a fear of rejection or the fear that they’ll end up upsetting or even losing their partner, family members or friends.
Ask open ended questions
Open-ended questions prompt a conversation because they can’t be answered with one-word answers. Close-ended questions can be answered with one word answers such as “yes” or “no”. Open-ended questions attempt to make the person who is answering the question give a more detailed and elaborate response.
Open-ended questions are a great way to get more information from the person answering your question. By their very nature, they beg for more details.
Here are some open ended questions:
- What was your worst travel experience?
- What was the scariest dream you’ve had?
- What is your best work or school story?
- What is your routine for an average weekday?
Here are some close-ended questions:
- Do you like where you live?
- Have you ever gone skydiving?
- Do you like Pina Coladas?
- Do you consider yourself to be a good cook?
Practice listening- 5 Ways to Communicate Better
During difficult conversations try and give your partner your full attention. Try and eliminate distractions while your having a conversation. Giving your full attention on the conversation can minimize the likelihood of misunderstandings. Don’t interrupt while your partner is talking. Don’t talk over your partner when they are talking, this is disrespectful.
Turn the TV off and don’t play on your phone while your partner is talking to you. This is extremely rude and will make your partner feel like you don’t care what they are saying or feeling. Give your partner your undivided attention.
Make more time to talk
Couples who have meaningful conversations with each other seem to manage challenges that life throws at them. These conversations also help partners remain emotionally connected and can provide you emotional support. Set aside time daily to talk to your partner. At least 15 minutes is needed for a meaningful conversation.
Consider combining conversation with an activity you do already together such as walking or cooking together. Try and make the time together just for talking and don’t do other things that will distract you.
Turn off the TV and make sure the children are distracted and taken care of. Don’t answer your cell phone or text messages. Find a space that makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Pick up on non-verbal cues
If your partner rarely touches you or you only ever give your significant other a half-hearted hug, this could indicate a lack of connection. This can be walking past your spouse and giving them a hug or a kiss. When your partner notices you crossing your chest with your arms, it’s telling them you won’t let them in – so they can’t get in. Non-verbal communication may speak louder than words, but they are not as distinct as words. Non-verbal communication includes: body language and posture, facial expressions, dress, clothing and behavior.
Do not let unresolved matters go unanswered
Unresolved matters won’t simply just go away. These issues can come back to haunt your relationship later on. If you are unable to resolve these issues during the conversation, then make time with each other at a later time to do so.
5 Ways to Communicate Better
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