When it comes to relationship advise, most can say that communication is key. Although this may be true, the type of communication can be the key to a healthy or unhealthy relationship. Many of us lack communication skills, which leads to difficulty in any type of relationship. Do you allow yourself to be open and honest with your partner? Do you use your communication to help creating healthy relationships? No one can read our minds, which is why communication is so important. Sometimes a lack of communication skills can lead to arguments and misunderstanding, which can make us want to communicate less.
Proper communication can help us in creating healthy relationships:
- Face changes in our relationships
- Build understanding and trust
- Encourages growth
- Feel safe and protected
- Increases intimacy
- Show support and accept support
Important things to talk about with your partner:
- Day-to-day activities
This may seem simple but talking about your day can be very important. Talking about work, what happened with friends, etc., can help reduce stress or even create excitement when sharing good things that happened.
Having goals is very important. When expressing goals to your partner, this can make you more likely to achieve them and allows them to motivate you through these goals as well.
What you two want to achieve together is very important. No matter how long the relationship has been, these goals help you create and understand each other’s expectations. It also helps you strive for things together as a team.
- Money expectations
Ask each other about what you like to spend money on, how much money you make, etc. Be honest about a budget and help each other stick to that budget.
- Discuss knowledge
If you have learned something new and fascinating, share it with your partner. This can help each of you grow and share your interests.
- Each of your beliefs
This can include spiritual, political, or just everyday values and beliefs. Every person’s beliefs are important, but it is crucial to know when you have drastically different beliefs.
- Feelings/emotions
Typically, these can become the hardest conversations to have. Not everyone is taught how to express their emotions or feelings, especially in a healthy way. Learn and discuss what affects each other emotionally.
- Family/friends
These conversations help better understand their relationships. It also helps you understand what is important to them and how they are impacted by friends and family.
Know that within successful relationships, the little things are the big things. This includes words, actions, and what you do for each other. Creating healthy communication greatly increases satisfaction in a relationship. What you choose to discuss can help you build trust and create growth in creating healthy relationships.
Learning your partners communication style can take time and effort. Try not to become overwhelmed when learning each other’s communication styles. Be considerate of your partners needs and goals, as well as your own. Communication must be worked on by both partners.
 Understand that even the little conversations are meaningful and can show your partner that you care. No matter how far along you are in your relationship, it is important to fully understand and discuss, finances, goals, expectations, feelings, beliefs, and values. Understand that even when something may not be as important to you, it can be extremely important to your partner.
 Work on being an active listener by truly listening to what your partner has to say without needing to say anything back or interrupting their thoughts. If you and your partner struggle with communication skills, couples therapy can be extremely beneficial. Do not be afraid to reach out to a trained couples therapist for help with working through your communication problems.
