Three Key Communication Strategies for Relationships
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A few weeks ago, I announced on my Facebook page that I would be opening a dialogue about insights into effective relationships. As I currently write this I want you to know this is meant to be a dialogue between us. A place where you can feel free to comment openly about your own insights into relationships. Things you’ve learned from failures and successes. Please reach out below or by commenting on any of my social media platforms - my handle is @threeheelclicks. Let’s dive into today’s topic on communication strategies. The root of so many disagreements, alienation, tension, and isolation begins with a misfiring of communication. As I continue to grow and develop in my interactions with people, how I communicate is a priority and responsibility if I am seeking healthy connections. Here are three strategies you can immediately implement for better communication.
Consider Each Other’s Immediate Needs
People are a lot like plants in the sense that they need food, water, sunlight, and other things. If we don’t have those things it’s tough to have good communication if our immediate needs are not met. If yourself or someone you are communicating with is frustrated do a quick check-in using the HALTS strategy. Is either of you Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired, or Stressed? If so, resolve that first and then come back. Take care of the physical needs, then the emotional needs and then you can tackle love needs. But the first must be in place before you can get to the heart of one another.
Try to See Each Other’s POV
Hear me out on this one… you do not have to change your own point of view but you will need to at least see where the other person is coming from. So many times we misread someone’s intentions because a situation is emotionally charged. To be able to resolve, both parties have to feel like they are being heard. Once everything is out and in the open, you can begin brainstorming solutions. If one person does not feel like they are able to share or be heard it makes resolving conflict really tough. If your partner says they are tired, help them get rest. If you are telling your partner you are stressed and they continue to pile things on, you’ll have to reinforce the boundary. You both will have needs and when you help each other with those needs you act as a team.
You Can Act As A Team and Still Be an Individual
It is likely that you are your partner have shared tendencies but also have their own likes and preferences. Being in a couple or a relationship does not mean you have to give up all the things you are. If you love mermaid tail blankets and have 10 cats… there is someone out there that will let you, be you, and love you for it. (Thanks to my sweet friend for reminding me of this not too long ago). If you like to work out three times a day to manage your mindset and mental health - there’s a person who will appreciate your structure. I think a huge red flag is when people in a relationship continually compromise who they really are to fit a mold. No! A team uses individual strengths to work in tandem together to bring more effectiveness and make an impact. Use each other’s strengths together and you’ll find creative ways to solve problems. Lastly, make sure you highlight how one another helps! Feedback is huge in communication.
I’ll be exploring more topics about relationships, best practices, and insights over the next few months. I’d love to know if there’s anything specific you’d like to see content built around. Feel free to leave me a message or reply on social media - @threeheelclicks on Instagram, Facbebook, TikTok and Pinterest.
