Why Communication Is So Important to Relationships

It is often said that communication is the most crucial element of healthy relationships. That is not always true, but communication still is important. Why? There isn’t just one reason. There are many. This post will look at some of them, beginning with the fact that humans communicate with one another whether they intend to or not.

As you read, bear in mind that communication is one of the things experienced couple’s therapists deal extensively with. If you were to visit Relationships & More in Rye, New York, your therapist would likely help you learn to communicate better. The more effectively people communicate, the more effective they are in maintaining healthy relationships.

• Constantly Communicating

So many people make the mistake of believing that communication always amounts to speaking, sending a text message, etc. What we fail to realize is that we are constantly communicating with others even when we aren’t speaking or writing. Everything from body language to facial expression communicates something. Even the actions we are engaged in communicate to others something about us.

This essentially means that couples are regularly communicating even if they don’t intend to be. The subtlest word or action can communicate volumes. Furthermore, it takes a concerted effort to avoid communicating with another person. Communication is organic; it occurs naturally.

• What You Communicate Matters

Knowing all of this, it should be obvious that communication is important to relationships for the simple fact that what you communicate matters. What you say to your spouse or partner can build them up or knock them down. The attitude you communicate with your tone of voice, body language, etc. can either be productive or destructive.

In a normal, healthy relationship between two people, disagreements occur. Disagreeing is a normal part of being in a relationship. Therefore, disagreements do not necessarily constitute a lack of communication. But attempting to work out disagreements without effectively communicating can lead to disaster.

• Misunderstandings Can Be Detrimental

Not being able to effectively communicate can lead to misunderstandings. Likewise for an unwillingness to communicate. In either case, misunderstandings and be devastating to a relationship. This is a big reason trained therapists put such a heavy emphasis on learning to communicate effectively.

Misunderstandings in a relationship can lead to:

• Hurt feelings
• Anger and bitterness
• Unfounded assumptions
• Unfounded suspicions.

These are all things that can be destructive to a relationship. Therefore, avoiding misunderstandings should be a priority for couples. Honesty and straightforwardness go a long way toward avoiding misunderstandings.

• Negative Feelings Can Last a Long Time

Communication is so important to relationships because it plays into feelings that can last a long time. For example, bitter feelings created by a nasty word that should never have been spoken can linger for weeks, months, or even years. Likewise, the positive feelings created by an encouraging word can last just as long. It would seem that most of us would want the positive rather than the negative. But in order to achieve that, we have to effectively communicate.

• Too Easy to Be Negative

All of this is underscored by the reality that it is too easy to be negative. Being negative is even normal for some people. On the other hand, remaining positive takes some effort. It takes a particular mindset that seeks to see the good in things rather than the bad.

When couples routinely communicate on a negative plane, they put their relationship in jeopardy. This is the primary reason good communication skills are so important to healthy relationships. Communicate well and your relationships are likely to be stronger as a result.