How to Better Communicate with Your Partner

Communication in a relationship is something that can always be improved upon. Your communication can always improve whether you are newly dating or years into your relationship. Having strong and effective communication is a great foundation for your relationship to grow on. Are you wondering just how you can work on your communication with your partner? Here are some helpful ways to improve your communication skills.

Always Practice Good Communication 

One of the best ways to better your communication is by always practicing good communication. This likely sounds redundant. However, to consistently communicate well with your partner, you must always practice it. Even in times when it seems easier to glaze over topics or avoid a difficult conversation, this is how you make effective communication a habit. At the end of the day, communication is a muscle. You must work out to keep the skill strong and healthy. This builds a solid rapport with your partner and fosters a feeling of trust within your relationship. 

Be the Listener You Want 

When you think about it, half of communication is listening. When your partner speaks to you, ensure you are an active listener. You should listen to your partner the way you would like someone to listen to you. You can practice this by doing some of the following:

  • Making affirming nonverbal cues, like nodding.

  • Ask relevant questions to what they are saying.

  • Show empathy to them.

By being an active listener to your partner, they can see that you are invested in what they have to say. Not only does this set a standard for good listening, but it also assures your partner how much you care about them.

Understand Your Own Emotions

Although immediately talking through an issue when it arises may be your first reaction, it is important to understand your feelings before bringing it up with your partner. If you start having a discussion without a clear idea of how you truly feel, you may speak in circles and forget to address the main issue at hand. 

Instead of immediately reacting, let your partner know that you are upset and need a few moments to sit with your emotions fully. Once you have a greater understanding of how you truly feel, then bring your thoughts to your partner. This way, you can have a productive discussion.

Practice “I” Statements

When it comes to conveying your feelings, be sure to use “I” statements. Sentences that begin with “I feel” or “I think” effectively express your true emotions. Starting sentences with “you” can come across as rather accusatory and shift your feelings to your partner. An “I” statement helps to create a clear pathway to understanding one another.

Honesty is the Best Policy

You should always be honest with your partner, regardless of what it is you have to say. Even if you think a little white lie is too minuscule to have consequences, being dishonest can add up over time and create a big issue down the line. By maintaining honesty throughout all of your conversations, you are remaining open with them, which can help you two forge a more intimate bond. 

Ultimately, committing to strong communication is the first step. It assures both you and your partner that you are willing to work on your relationship and be better for one another. However, if you still feel you could use extra help when it comes to communicating, marriage counseling is a great option. I specialize in helping couples work on their communication skills. Take a look through my website to see if you think we would be a good fit, or contact me today.