Couples often feel like they can t share certain things comfortably which builds up and lead to unnecessary communication gaps. Being in a relationship and feeling like you have to hide things might not be healthy. A healthy partnership comes from open communication, through which you communicate your own wants, feelings, and thoughts while also understanding the same from the other side. It is also necessary when it comes to settling disputes.
Supporting free communication in partnerships has numerous benefits. Firstly it allows to develop trust between the partners through which you can have open and frank communication without hiding anything. Secondly, effective communication plays a crucial role in resolving disputes constructively. It involves actively listening to the partner s perspective, even if it differs from one s own, and finding mutually beneficial solutions to problems. Thirdly, in a relationship, it is important to work as a team and collectively solve problems and daily life circumstances. They can make informed and satisfying choices by expressing ideas and emotions openly and being receptive to each other s input.
Moreover, communication promotes closeness and intimacy in the relationship by sharing feelings, thoughts, and experiences, partners can deepen their understanding of each other. Additionally, open communication contributes to a sense of fun and enjoyment in the relationship. It is a way through which you can have playful banter and enjoy spending time together
A lot of conflicts arise due to misunderstandings and misinterpretations of spoken words. Open communication may stop this from happening, as you would freely express what you feel and will clarify whatever is required to be clarified
How Should You Encourage Open Communication?
- Being judged by the person in front of you is one of the biggest fear for most people. This fear of judgment stops people from opening up and stops open communication. Make sure that your partner knows that you have created a nonjudgmental place for them where they can speak freely.
- There is a difference between listening and hearing. Hearing simply refers to you being able to hear someone speak without comprehending anything. Whereas listening enables you to comprehend and respond effectively. Make sure you listen to the other person and not just hear them out.
- Be upfront and sincere: This entails being honest with yourself regarding your needs, wants, and thoughts. Additionally, it entails being prepared to disclose your vulnerabilities to your spouse.
- Stop using epithets, slurs, and putdowns: These forms of communication are damaging. They may harm your bond and make resolving disputes more challenging.
- Pay attention to the here and now: Try to focus on the conversation you are having with your spouse. Do not assume their intentions or bring up prior disagreements.
- Be open to negotiation: Since no two people are precisely the same, you occasionally need to make concessions to your partner. While this does not require you to give up your own needs or desires, it does require that you be willing to compromise.
Finally, we can say that open communication is essential and must be promoted in every relationship. It is however true that these steps require effort and are not as simple, make sure to give yourself time, and the same you need to be vulnerable in front of another person, enough for you to share what you wish to share with them. Being with someone who does not respect your opinions and voice is not your fault. It should be identified and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
Open communication is not a one-sided step, it requires two to fulfill and achieve this. Having someone beside you who is equally willing to indulge in expressing one s thoughts and listening to the other person with respect and consideration is ideal. As we learned above, if you feel like your voice and opinions are not being valued or are not respected then it would be hard to express what you truly feel freely. Open communication is a major step in the right direction to maintaining and sustaining healthy relationships.