It’s no secret great communication is the glue that holds a relationship together. Relationship communication is all about connecting with your partner. Understanding their point of view and letting them know they are a priority is crucial.
“Couples that share their feelings, thoughts, and support each other are more likely to stay together,” says Relationship Coach Renee Richel Founder of 1 True Match. “A solid communication foundation will help your relationship overcome the inevitable storms.”
If you’re now curious about the difference between communication and relationship communication, you’ve come to the right place. Here are 5 simple ways to improve your relationship’s communication and develop a stronger and more stable partnership whether you’re dating or married.
Be Honest With Each Other
The most important thing you can do to improve your relationship communication is simply telling the truth. Speak your truth to your partner with love, gentleness, and clarity.
When you’re not honest with your partner because you’re afraid of how they may receive the news, you’re building up walls in your relationship. As difficult as it may be to tell the truth or hear the truth back from your partner, keep in mind that you are reinforcing your connection with your loved one.
Always remember that you are in control of the way you communicate with your partner. Make a conscious decision to communicate as honestly and openly as you can right from the start and you’re bound to see positive changes in your relationship.
Be Patient With Your Partner
One of the best relationship communication quotes is in 1 Corinthians 13:4, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy …”
Have you ever struggled to find the words to say what you want to say, only to have it come out totally wrong? We can all relate to that. No one is a perfect communicator. That’s why it is so important to be patient with yourself and your partner and allow each of you to express themselves and the grace to forgive if it just comes out wrong no matter how hard you both try.
Listen while each other speaks. Do not already be planning your response as the other person is speaking. Take in everything said and listen with openness and patience. “This is also
a really good rule to follow when speaking and listening to friends and family members.
Be Consistent in Your Communication
Consistency is key in relationship communication. It does no good to have great open and honest communication one week and then not speak to each other the next.
Important conversations should not be put off. When a big issue comes up, talk about it at an appropriate time as soon as you can. Set aside a specific time to talk when you will not be interrupted or distracted by life’s other issues.
Consistent communication requires a commitment from both partners. Check-in with your partner from time to time to see how they are. Consistent communication also brings stability and confidence that issues will be addressed in your relationship, maybe not at the immediate moment but at a time in the very near future that works for both of you. It’s important to give your partner space if they just cannot talk about an issue at the same time you want to, but knowing it will be addressed is also part of the patience we just outlined.
Be Flexible in Your Relationship Communication
Even though you can both do your best to determine the best time to discuss an issue, the timing for these conversations doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes they happen when you least expect it – especially the deep ones. This is completely normal.
Be flexible when communicating with your partner. If you have expectations of how a conversation should play out you may be disappointed. If something is just gnawing at you and you have to get it out, be prepared that you might not get the reaction you are hoping to hear.
Sometimes communication might come from just one partner. So if you drop a heavy topic keep in mind that you still may need to allow your partner the time to process your thoughts and feelings before they feel comfortable that they can respond thoughtfully and not reactively. An instant reaction could cause more harm than good.
So, if you’re the person who just got blindsided with an important issue, take a breath and explain that you need some time to think it through but that you will be ready to share later, but not too late. The key takeaway here is that you feel safe to share with your partner and they feel safe that they will be given the space and time to be able to share back when they feel ready and prepared, that way it allows for the conversation to flow naturally at that moment.
Be Accepting of Your Partner
It is impossible to communicate with patience and love if you are filled with judgment. Your relationship and communication absolutely must be a judgment-free zone. When we feel judged we shutdown communication or get defensive. Neither of these techniques encourages communication with your partner.
It is important to accept your partner and invite them to be vulnerable and honest with you. Judgment and shame have no place in a healthy relationship.
Put Your Trust In 1 True Match!
At 1 True Match, you’ll find we are just as invested in you falling in love and staying safe as you are. We conduct background checks and personality tests to make sure you have the opportunity to meet someone who is safe, honest, and has the financial resources they claim to have.
We have added additional questions to our screening process about their health and travels in regard to the Coronavirus to ensure our clients’ health and safety is of the utmost importance. Don’t take unsafe chances by using the dating apps; instead, use our proven, confidential matchmaking services.
Schedule a complimentary consultation with 1 True Match to see how we can help you navigate the dating world safely and find a partner you can trust!
