Do you ever sit across the table or on the couch and never say a word to each other?
Many say the foundation to a working relationship is the ability to communicate with each other. What does not talking to each other say about your relationship? Consider the following…
Poor Communication: When one refuses to share his/her feelings openly or to listen to what the other person has to say. Other poor contributors include becoming argumentative and defensive, denying your own feelings or acting them out directly (i.e. pouting or being sarcastic).
Good Communication: You express your feelings openly and directly, encouraging the other person to express his/her feelings. You say how what you are thinking and how you are feeling, you try to listen and understand what the other person is thinking/feeling. The ideas and feelings of both parties are important.
A formula used in relationship counseling is:
“I feel….”
About ______ (what)
“I need….”
EX: I feel insignificant when you come home and just watch TV, I need some quality time with you.
Try this in your relationship, see if it helps you. Remember, practice makes perfect… don’t give up – your relationship is important enough to keep trying.