Employing Effective Communication In Your Relationship

Communication is key to the success of a relationship. It lays the foundation for a successful marriage. How often do you find yourself quarrelling with your partner? Are there specific steps you can take to improve on the quality of your communication? How can you mend your past communication errors?

Identify the problems affecting your communication 

Examine the pattern of speech you employ in your relationship. If you are always defending your actions, then you are practically calling yourself a perfect mate. It helps to accept your mistakes. When did your mate last complain to you? If you look at the complaint, you will get a clear picture of an area you need to work on. On the other hand, if you have observed some undesirable behavior in your mate, tell them in a spirit of love. Avoid assaulting them with words in an attempt to make them work on your observations expediently. Be open-minded. Look at the problems with the aim of sorting them out - not fixing your partner. 

Steps to improve communication in your relationship

The objective of improving in your communication is to make sure that your relationship lives through all seasons. Therefore, as you look at the best steps to be taken in enhancing effective communication, make sure you display true love and care. The steps can be employed:

·   Be determined to listen to your partner respectfully. Even if you have a valid point. Listen first, then speak last. The more you listen, the more you promote effective communication.

·   Avoid aiming at winning all arguments. When an argument begins, it is better you lose that battle of words and gain peace with your mate. In fact, avoid screaming to the best of your ability. 

·   Accept your mistakes without being reminded all the time. The practical step you can take is to apologize as freely as you can, and ask for suggestions from your mate.

·   Avoid punishing your mate psychologically. You can avoid employing things like 'the silent treatment, withdrawal of certain acceptable privileges etc. This can only worsen the situation.

·   Be realistic and caring. Avoid bringing back issues that have been sorted out for the sake of tormenting your partner. This even includes avoiding poking fun about their weaknesses and traumatic personal experiences.

·   Mind the way you say things. Even if it is a harmless piece of information, when said in a bad way, it can shatter peace in your relationship. Therefore, say the right things in a loving way at the right time.

Mending your past communication errors 

You need to accept that you made mistakes in the past. Therefore show remorse for the mistakes committed. After you forward your earnest apologies and pleas, let your partner respond. Some partners might need time to grasp what you have just suggested. But, after that you need to work hard to avoid bringing back the same mistakes. If the issues are too deep to be sorted out between the two of you, a third party can be called in.