Communication is an essential key to any relationship. However, it’s something that many couples struggle with.
Even if your relationship feels strong and secure, it’s always worth it to try to improve your communication. Everyone has different styles, and you might not be connecting with your partner as well as you could be.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few tips that can help you communicate better with your partner. Doing so will boost your intimacy, help you feel closer, and validate your feelings, no matter where you are in your relationship.
Set Aside Time for Your Partner
To say we’re all leading busy lives would be an understatement.
People are busier than ever. Whether you’re working extra hours, taking the kids to extracurricular activities, or just trying to keep your house in order, it’s often hard to feel like you have a moment to yourself.
Unfortunately, that can cause your relationship to suffer.
Communication is about more than just talking to each other whenever you get a minute or two during the day. If you really want to improve communication with your partner, set aside time every day to have a meaningful conversation.
If you don’t have time every day, consider scheduling regular “date nights” or weekly time slots that are dedicated solely to your relationship. It might not seem like the most romantic thing in the world. However, it shows your partner that they are a priority, and that communicating with each other is important to you.
Be an Active Listener
It’s often much easier to express your feelings than it is to listen to others.
However, listening is an important part of healthy communication. That means more than just hearing what your partner says.
Active listening includes everything from using the right body language to asking questions for clarification. Your partner should know that you’re understanding and soaking in what they have to say, and that it means something to you.
Being an active listener will build your trust as a couple. It will also encourage your partner to open up and show more vulnerability. That helps to boost intimacy and can cause you to feel closer than ever.
Learn Each Other’s Communication Styles
Everyone communicates differently. You might not have the same style as your partner, and it’s important to understand that. Some people are more assertive, others are passive, and don’t have as much experience sharing their feelings.
Understanding your styles and how they can either work together or create conflict will help you to communicate more effectively. That’s especially important when it comes to working through disagreements.
Every couple argues, but some arguments can actually strengthen your relationship when you’re willing to work through them with proper communication. If your disagreements tend to make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells even days later, it’s likely because things weren’t communicated properly.
Make Communication a Priority
If you’re struggling to communicate better with your partner, you’re not alone. Maybe you’ve been doing things one way for so long that you’re not sure how to change. Or maybe you’re not used to opening up and dedicating time to active communication.
If that sounds familiar, feel free to contact me to set up an appointment for couples therapy. Communication is essential to every relationship in your life. However, when it comes to what you share with your partner, you need to be able to prioritize your connection through strong communication skills.
Together, we’ll work on how you can build those skills, and talk more about why communication is so important for a healthy, strong relationship.