You’ve heard it before and you’ll hear it again, in all aspects of life, communication is key! Especially in romantic partnerships, so many emotions are tangled up in your communication – it’s so important to understand each other clearly and honestly so that feelings don’t get hurt that can have long-term effects on your most important relationship. We have compiled 17 communication exercises for couples in this blog – they don’t have to be completed all at once, work at them over time and strengthen your skills with each other.
Listen Without Interrupting
It’s so hard to not interrupt the person you are conversing with, especially when the conversation is confrontational. It’s very important to show respect to each other by not interrupting and really listening when they are speaking.
Recognize The Efforts Your Partner Makes
In the daily hubbub of life, it’s easy to overlook the small or large things your partner does for you to make you feel loved. Make an effort to slow down a bit and take stock of what your partner does for you and acknowledge those things with a thank you. Being seen is important to everyone.
Don’t Try to Solve a Problem When Emotions Are High
Take a bit of time to cool off so you can talk to each other clearly and respectfully when one or both of you are upset. Don’t set yourself up to make things worse by trying to solve an issue when you are highly upset, angry, or hurt.
Be Willing to Compromise
When you decide to spend your life with someone, you are choosing to give up living your life with only yourself to please. It’s not fair to be in a committed relationship with someone and only want things your way. You have to be willing to find the happy medium so that everyone feels like a winner.
Believe in Yourself
Low self-esteem can color everything you witness in your relationship. It leads to jealousy, controlling behavior, and damage that can become beyond repair. If you feel like everything that happens in your relationship that could be perceived as negative happens because they don’t love you enough, or they wish you were different somehow, that needs to be addressed before you can work on other problems. You have to believe that you are an equal partner with equal value and sometimes the fault of that feeling lies with you and not your partner. Be honest with yourself.
No One is Perfect
Not you, not your partner. What is important is that you are both acting in good faith and that you are capable of holding your boundaries. Some things can be overlooked, and some things are a deal-breaker. Communicate these things clearly and consistently with your partner.
Conclusion
If you are partnered up with someone who does not act honestly, speak honestly, or live honestly, you have issues that cannot be fixed with communication. If you struggle with anger in yourself or your partner, and it keeps you from resolving issues, you need more help. If you just feel like no matter what you try it doesn’t work – call us. We are here to help, and to help you and your partner find your communication with each other. Remember, you matter.
