There’s a good chance you’ve heard this statement before: Communication is key.
You’ve heard this statement time and time again. Have you ever wondered why communication really is key?
I bet you are now…
Communication is one of the most important factors in any type of relationship.
No matter if your relationship is with a family member, friend, co-worker, or significant other, communication is essential in any relationship.
Here’s why communication is (and always will be) important in a relationship.
Get to Know One Another
Communication is used at the beginning of a relationship to get to know one another, see if you’re compatible, set expectations, and more. Once you decide you’re compatible and actually start to date and grow your relationship, that doesn’t mean the communication stops. If anything, the communication should become more frequent and involve deeper and more meaningful conversations.
With a relationship, you should constantly and continuously be working towards getting to know each other on a deeper and more personal level. Learn about each other’s wants, needs, desires, goals, and more.
Avoid Any Misunderstanding
By communicating with one another, you’re able to truly express your thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs. By doing this, you’ll be able to avoid any miscommunication in the future, especially in tougher conversations. Not every conversation you have is going to be an easy one.
Just because you have a difficult conversation doesn’t mean your relationship is struggling. When you use communication to overcome those tough conversations, you’re actually working towards building a stronger bond and trust.
Build Trust
Trust is a building block of a healthy and happy relationship. Communication is another essential building block. By having good communication skills, you’re also working on building trust with one another, which also builds confidence in your relationship.
Always be open and honest with one another. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
You Don’t Have to Become a Mind-reader
You shouldn’t expect your partner to have to read your mind, and they shouldn’t expect this of you either. Express your opinions, thoughts, and feelings, even if it may be something that conflicts with your partner’s ideas or opinions about a certain topic.
Those debates will only help grow your communication with each other. Communicating with one another creates a sense of safety and security in your relationship.
Support and Strengthen Your Bond
This may be easier said than done, but one of the best benefits of being in a relationship is having someone that is there to support you through the good and the bad times. If you’re struggling through a hard time in your life, let your partner know. They won’t judge you. They will be there for you however you need them.
Make sure you communicate your feelings and needs. If you just need them to listen, let them know. If you just need a shoulder to cry on, tell them. Or if you’re actually looking for advice, ask them for their opinion on the matter. If you’re open and honest with them from the beginning, they’ll have an easier time meeting you in the middle to help you along the way.
Overall Happiness
Healthy communication in your relationship is beneficial for you and your partner’s overall happiness. Communication is key and essential through the good times and the bad times. Supporting and strengthening your bond with one another doesn’t have to just happen during the hard times. Communicating how you’re feeling when you’re happy, loved, or proud can increase both your and your partner’s overall happiness, especially with each other.
If you’re looking for therapy or couples therapy as a way to improve your communication, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
