Communicating with your partner can prove to be the most difficult part of a romantic relationship. Even with someone you feel very close to, being open and honest can make you feel more vulnerable than you may be used to. However, there is no need to worry! Communication is a skill that can be learned.
You can learn to feel more comfortable speaking openly to your partner. For some helpful communication tips, keep reading.
Create a safe space
Even if you feel more comfortable with your partner than anybody else, reiterating to one another that you are in a safe space will likely make you more willing to be open in conversation.
Try assuring one another that you are here to support and listen to each other. This way, you know that you are safe and cared for.
Pay attention to body language
When it comes to communication, what is not said is just as important as what is said. The next time you begin to openly talk to your partner, pay attention to your nonverbal cues. Maintain eye contact and try not to fidget. This will let them know that you are paying attention to what they have to say.
Additionally, try to pay attention to your partner’s body language when you are speaking. By understanding what they are saying with their actions, you can get a better feel for what they are trying to communicate. This will also give you a good idea of how they receive whatever you are saying.
Listen to your partner without planning about what you will say next
Sometimes, we find ourselves listening to someone without truly listening to what they have to say. We may be thinking a few steps ahead and planning what we will say instead.
Imagine how you would feel if you could tell your partner was not listening to you. The key to being heard yourself is hearing what others have to say.
Plan out your difficult conversations
If there is something you and your partner must discuss that happens to be a more difficult topic, like moving or household budgeting concerns, consider scheduling a time to have that conversation. This is very effective if you and your partner both have busy schedules to work around. By blocking off time to communicate, neither of you will feel rushed to say what you need to say.
You may also want to write up a few talking points for a scheduled conversation. That way, you will have a written reminder of what you wish to communicate and know you got everything off your chest.
Face difficult conversations head on
There’s no need to avoid it! With whatever conversation you need to have with your partner, facing it head-on is always best. Beating around the bush or dancing around the subject is a less effective form of open communication. Diving right into the topic at hand enforces a sense of trust with your partner.
Always be honest
Above all else, honesty is the best policy. Although it may feel like shielding your partner from your feelings is the best course of action, this will only cause more problems in the long run. The key to open communication is actually being open with what you have to say.
If you have tried all these tactics to no avail or you feel as if your relationship could benefit from a mediator, marriage counseling is an effective way to help improve your mutual communication. Visit either the Contact page or the Book Now page at the top of my website to get in touch.