Communication
"
Imagine for a moment that you are having a conversation on the telephone. You hear someone through the receiver and talk through the mouth piece. It is give and take on both sides of the lines and we rarely talk over each other and we always make sure to listen carefully to what the other person is saying. The kind of give and take communication we have over the telephone should resemble the kind of conversations we have with our loved ones in person, particularly within our marriage.
Communication is the most important relationship skill one can have. So why is it we let ourselves get into such bad habits when it comes to communicating with one another? Why do we listen halfheartedly and give one word answers that leaves the other feeling we are not interested in what they have to say?
So what do we do about this? How do we learn to communicate more effectively in our relationships? We don’t really need to learn any new skills. We just need to make a conscious effort to listen to what the other is saying, and concentrate on how we speak to one another. This is easier said than done in today’s busy world, but it needs to be done in order for your relationship to thrive.
Set aside a time each day, after you put the kids to bed is usually the perfect time. If you don’t have any children set aside a time were you are both relaxed either in the morning before work or in the evening at meal time is a great place to start. It doesn’t have to be a long period of time just 10-20 min a day. Set a timer if you need to.
When your partner is speaking try to make them the center of attention. Look at them and make eye contact. Try to put all other thoughts out of your head, don’t think about that sink full of dishes that won’t do themselves or that your television program is coming on in 5 minutes. Use body language to show you are listening, give a little nod or a smile. When they have finished, ask a relevant question or give a comment to let them know you have listened and understood what they have said. When you listen to someone wholeheartedly they are likely to show you the same respect in return.
Communication is one of the many aspects The Magic of Making Up will help you to improve.
Related Info – Expectations – At The Heart Of Success Or Failure
