Learn how to Talk and Listen to Your Partner

Having effective communication is key for an effective relationship. Either a conversation can enhance the relationship or it can help destroy it. So what is effective communication. It is talking in a way that gets to the point of the issue because often the real issue is unconsciously not discussed.

Take Lisa for example, her husband JP comes home late one evening. She’s tired from chasing the kids around all day, grocery shopping, running to doctor appointments, paying the bills…all the things that need to get done for the family. She snaps at JP the minute he walks in the door for being late. This triggers emotions for JP and they start to yell back and forth ending up angry with one another.

This conversation got nowhere but only made both Lisa and JP more upset. And now little Johnnie is crying. So what could have been done differently to make this situation a positive one instead of an arguement? Lisa could have better understood her own feelings and conveyed them to JP instead of snapping about the issues. If Lisa understands exactly why she is upset, then she can convey her feelings to JP such as I'm tired or I’ve been working hard all day and had to stay up with little Johnnie all night because he was sick. Maybe she feels that she is not getting any help around the house. And if JP can ask Lisa questions, he can better understand of why she is so upset.

Now the communication is an effective tool that can help the relationship grow.

Learn more about effective communication and develop listening skills at Life Management Workshop.