Improve Your Relationship with 3 Simple Communication Skills

Think about some of the problems you've experienced in your relationships. Can you narrow down some of those problems to a lack of communication? The answer to that is more than likely a resounding "yes." Whether the problem was with you or with your partner, somewhere along the way you have failed to communicate effectively and it has led to arguments, hurt feelings and resentment.

In reality neither of you is to blame, the idea of communicating effectively is squashed under the game playing that so many of us have been told is the way to make things work.

"You can't tell him how you feel he'll run the other way because you're too needy!"

"Don't let that girl know how much she means to you, you're just inviting her to walk all over you."

You've probably heard things like that from your friends, and of course you probably listened because you didn't know any better. If you want a strong relationship it is important to develop communication skills and drop the game playing.

Game playing is something that teenagers can be looked over for indulging in. If you are an adult you have no excuse for hiding your feelings, for adapting yourself to meet someone else's ideal of a partner.

3 Simple Rules to Improve Communication

1.) Don't blurt out whatever pops into your head. Take the time to think about what you are trying to communicate and then decide the best way to say it. This is a great way to go about bringing up a touchy subject without causing the other person to go on the offensive.

2.) Avoid using accusatory statements. For example if you feel that your partner is spending too much time with friends and not enough with you; you need to state that in a way that states the problem from your point of view. Instead of "You are always with your friends and you never have time for me!" try saying "I feel like I'm not a part of your life when you spend so much time with your friends. Is there a reason that you would rather spend your free time with them?" By ending with a question you allow your partner to see that you are seeking a resolution rather than issuing an ultimatum.

3. ) Don't hide your feelings. If your partner hurts your feelings with something they say or do, don't let it fester and grow into a huge resentment that you will throw up in their face during some future unrelated argument. Deal with issues as they arise.

These 3 simple rules will help you improve your relationship by simply changing the manner in which you communicate. When you practice good communication skills your partner will learn from you and the two of you will open the lines of communication allowing you to have a relationship where everything is out in the open.

Source: Author Experience, The Rules, Meet Your Sweet