How to Stop Miscommunication from Hurting Your Relationship
When you start a relationship, communication is one of its foundations. You look for shared interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, and more to determine if you’re a good match. Over time, your communication grows, the relationship builds, and you start to map out the next steps for both of you.
But real life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Despite what fairytales taught you while you were growing up, relationships don’t just involve happily ever after. Real life is filled with ups and downs. Communication may be one of the biggest positive contributions to your relationship, but it can also harm your relationship.
Miscommunication is one of the main causes of relationships not working out. But yours doesn’t have to fall into this statistic. You just have to put a bit more time and energy into making it work. This is how to stop miscommunication from hurting your relationship.
Be Open and Honest
Since communication is key, make sure you’re being open and honest with your partner at all times. This includes both the positive conversations as well as the challenging ones.
No matter how perfect you and your partner may be for one another, you won’t always agree on everything. Miscommunication and disagreements are bound to happen. These aren’t signs of your relationship failing or not working together anymore unless you cannot move past them.
If you’re able to be open and honest about all of your thoughts and feelings, you and your partner can work together to resolve them instead of letting them build up and you feeling resentful over time.
Set Boundaries
Boundaries are often seen as a wall or a fence that prevents others from getting in. In reality, boundaries are a necessity for all types of healthy relationships. They ensure that you’re staying true to yourself and your own wants and needs. They help to protect your overall mental health and wellness.
You and your partner should set boundaries in your own relationship. These boundaries could be related to your physical space, emotions, sexual desires, time spent together, or finances. Each of you should identify your needs and clearly communicate these boundaries to your partner so you can work together on respecting them.
Use “I” Statements
Be mindful of the words that you’re choosing to use when you’re talking with your partner. “You” statements can make your partner feel like they need to jump into defense mode. Make sure you’re framing things from your perspective so your partner can see where you’re coming from instead of feeling like they need to defend themselves.
Practice Active Listening
No matter if you’re the one who wanted to initiate the conversation, both partners must have an equal opportunity to speak their mind and listen to the other person. Communication is a two-way street. Make sure that all distractions are turned off and that you’re fully engaged and listening to what they have to say. Don’t interrupt them. Instead, wait for them to finish talking and ask any clarifying questions to make sure you’re on the same page before moving forward.
Don’t Fight to Win
You and your partner are a team. There are no winners and losers when you’re on the same team. This means that you shouldn’t be fighting to win, even if you may disagree on something. One partner shouldn’t feel like they’re always giving while the other is taking, and vice versa. You have to work together to find a mutual compromise and understanding.
Seek Professional Help
Relationships are complex. If you and your partner are struggling with your communication, you’re not alone. Sometimes, bringing in an outside third party can help to add insight that you and your partner aren’t able to see. Therapy can improve your communication skills and your relationship. Reach out today to get started.
