Why Is Communication Important In Relationships?

Two people meet and instantly fall in love. After a short struggle, they live happily ever after. A reel concept straight out of romantic movies is far away from the truth in real life. In reality, there is much more that goes into making a perfect relationship like battling misunderstandings, disagreements, and failed expectations. The complexity of a relationship demands love with a mix of values like understanding, forgiveness, and tolerance. These values come complimentary with effective communication in relationships.

We all have been in situations where we sometimes say things that we don't intend and other times find ourselves at a lack of words when we wish to express. 'Maybe I could have avoided the last breakup or could have expressed my love better, 'is a common regret in most of our relationships. All of us have been in several instances where we felt we could have said things differently or handled a situation in a better way. These incidents leave us wondering, 'what could I have done differently to make things better?' Probably communication is the answer that you have been searching for all this while. Effective communication in a relationship could be the solution to most of your problems.

Communication does not mean talking to someone or making small talk. Instead, it is a strong feeling fueled by the desire to understand the other person's needs and opinions. It means to have a conversation where you listen more and try to read all those emotions hidden behind spoken words. Whether it is a romantic relationship or a friendship, longer-lasting relationships are based on stronger bonds of connection.

But does that mean effective communication in relationships guarantees a paradise where both keep agreeing with each other? No, communication does not result in the elimination of conflicts. As an individual, we have certain opinions and priorities. Disputes and disagreements for them are also bound to be in a relationship. But a practice of efficient communication can help you resolve the conflict in a better way where you keep the love and affection for the person above the dissent.

But how can you practice for an unpredictable situation? One can practice an art or a sport, but how does one practice effective communication in relationships? When you start understanding the needs and have compassion for the person, it becomes easier to deal with situations involving them. You know how a person will react to a particular thing, and thus it becomes easier for you to handle the issue. Conversation helps you open your hearts to each other; therefore, the chances of disagreements decrease.

The entire purpose of effective communication in relationships is to create a conversational intimacy. The current society trends depict confusion regarding how one should behave with people. Your conversations are often influenced by thoughts like 'Am I being vulnerable by expressing my emotions, or am I sounding very dominating?' These questions suggest discomfort in relationships and do not allow open-hearted discussions. A relationship achieves the highest level of intimacy when you openly put forward your emotions, concerns, and vulnerability out in front of the other without being scared of your partner's reaction. The significant other also receives your feelings with an understanding and compassion. Conversational intimacy makes it very comfortable for both the people to be with each other. A study of college-aged couples suggests that communication helped the couple increase their overall pleasure as well in relationships.

The benefits of effective communication in relationships are not limited to romantic relationships; it also helps in making your professional associations more fruitful. Workplace interactions become more comfortable and more productive. Active listening and open communication helps generate innovative ideas and makes it easier to understand each other and work as a team. Effective communication in relationships also helps strengthen your connections with your family and friends. You understand each other better and begin to develop an inward feeling of care for them. Your overall ability to deal with clashing situation enhances, making you and your relationships happier.