Relationship
Four types of communication you need to master
Communication comes in all shapes, you have four types of communication to utilise in nurturing your relations with others, particularly your significant other. When it comes to communicating with someone you love or who loves you, taking advantage of all your communication options is the way to go.
Advantages of Four Types of Communication
Communication is vital to human relations. Communication is used to relay thoughts, feelings, information, news and even surprises. Without communication, very little would be accomplished. Humans communicate in a variety of ways verbally and nonverbally. In the modern age of Internet relationships, the written and visual forms of communicating have became more important types of communication.
Basic communication involves words, body language, eye contact and in many cases physical contact. The first three are self-explanatory, but physical contact refers to putting your hand on someone’s arm while talking to the person or holding hands or in some way bringing your body in contact with him/her. Evidence suggests that physical contact increases a sense of intimacy between the two parties having the conversation whether it is romantic, familial or simply fraternal in nature.
Verbal Communication
The key to verbal communication is the use of words, language and sounds, most often in the spoken format. This type of communication includes sign language as it involves the communication of verbal ideas even though it uses hand gestures.
Language is one of the earliest social skills developed by individuals. Infants are taught words and respond to phrase and tone of voice. Effective interpersonal communication requires verbal interaction to express likes, dislikes, successes and problems. When you are fluent in communicating your thoughts and feelings verbally, you build relationship success.
Non-Verbal Communication
While verbal communication relies on your hearing, non-verbal communication uses all your other senses. Despite living in a world of perfume and cologne, the human sense of smell is important in identifying distinctive changes in body odour from desire to sweat to illnesses. Other non-verbal senses include seeing changes in facial expression and becoming aware of physiological changes such as increased heart rate or panting through physical contact. The majority of human communication takes place in the non-verbal arena.
For example, when a person folds his/her arms and leans away from another person while declaring how much he or she loves someone, the person is communicating only half the truth. He or she may love the person, but his/her body language indicates anger and resistance. Couples who share frequent touches, long looks and lean in towards each other while talking, suggest a successful and invested relationship.
Getting to know a person’s body language and cues can help you avoid troubled areas of conversation and relationship pitfalls.
Source: www.lovetoknow.com
Navigating social media boundaries as a couple can be a tricky task. With the constant access to our loved ones’ lives that social media provides, it’s important to establish clear boundaries to ensure a healthy and trusting relationship. Here are some tips to help couples manage social media use.
1. Have an Open and Honest Conversation
The first step in setting boundaries on social media is to talk openly and honestly with your partner about how you both feel regarding social media usage. These conversations can be challenging but are essential for maintaining understanding and trust.
2. Be Specific
When discussing boundaries, be specific about the behaviour that bothers you and what you would like to change.
- Instead of saying, “You spend too much time on social media,” try:
“I feel neglected when you are on your phone for extended periods during our conversations. Can we set a limit on phone usage during quality time together?”
3. Be Considerate
Respect and understand your partner’s point of view. The goal is not to control each other, but to create a healthy balance that strengthens the relationship.
4. Agree on Social Media Etiquette
Social media etiquette involves setting clear guidelines for how you and your partner will interact online. This may include:
- Whether you will follow each other on social media.
- What kinds of photos or posts are acceptable.
- How to interact with friends, family, or others online.
Privacy is key in these discussions.
5. Respect Each Other’s Privacy
Respecting privacy is one of the most critical aspects of social media boundaries:
- Do not snoop on your partner’s social media accounts.
- Avoid sharing personal information about them.
- Don’t post pictures or updates they may be uncomfortable with.
6. Don’t Use Social Media as a Measure of Your Relationship
Social media often highlights only the “best moments” of relationships. Avoid comparing your relationship to others online.
- Focus on your unique relationship and its successes.
- Remember that every relationship faces its own challenges and joys.
Conclusion
Setting boundaries on social media is crucial for a healthy, happy relationship. Key factors include:
- Open and honest communication.
- Respect for each other’s privacy.
- Avoiding comparisons using social media as a benchmark.
By prioritising these practices, couples can strengthen trust, intimacy, and emotional connection while navigating the digital world together.
Source: Arkansas Relationship Counselling Centre
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In the realm of romantic relationships, vulnerability and openness are often misconstrued as signs of weakness. However, research in psychology and relationship counselling suggests that embracing vulnerability can be a powerful catalyst for deepening emotional intimacy and strengthening bonds.
Vulnerability involves sharing our innermost thoughts, feelings, and desires with our partner, making us susceptible to potential hurt or rejection. Yet, it is precisely this openness that allows us to build trust, foster empathy, and create a sense of safety in our relationships.
When couples prioritise vulnerability, they often experience a profound shift in their relationship dynamics. For instance, a couple I counselled who were struggling to connect after a recent move found that sharing their fears and anxieties with each other helped them rebuild their emotional intimacy. By being open about their struggles, they were able to support each other and strengthen their bond.
Benefits of Vulnerability and Openness
- Deeper Understanding: By sharing our thoughts and feelings, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our partner.
- Increased Empathy: When we are open about our struggles, our partner is more likely to respond with compassion and support.
- Resilience: Vulnerability helps us develop coping mechanisms and learn to navigate challenges together.
- Authentic Connection: By being our authentic selves, we create a sense of mutual understanding and connection.
Cultivating Vulnerability
So, how can we cultivate vulnerability in our relationships? Here are some practical tips:
- Start Small: Begin by sharing your thoughts and feelings in low-stakes situations, like discussing a book or movie. Gradually share more personal aspects of yourself as you become comfortable.
- Practice Active Listening: When your partner shares their vulnerabilities, respond with empathy and understanding. This helps create a safe space for open communication.
- Be Present: Focus on the present moment and let go of distractions. This will help you stay engaged and responsive to your partner’s needs.
- Show Appreciation: Express gratitude for your partner’s vulnerability and celebrate their courage in sharing their thoughts and feelings.
In many successful relationships, couples have reported that regular “check-ins” or meaningful conversations help them stay connected and build a stronger bond. By prioritising vulnerability and openness, couples are better able to address life’s challenges together, fostering a deeper sense of connection and intimacy.
Vulnerability and openness are essential components of a healthy, fulfilling relationship. By embracing these qualities, we can build stronger, more resilient bonds with our partners.
As we navigate the complexities of relationships, let us remember that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength that can bring us closer to ourselves and our loved ones.
To be continued…
Source: Excerpts from “COURTSHIP MATTERS: Keys to a Fulfilling Lasting Marriage” by Rev. Counselor Prince Offei
(Lecturer, Published Author, Mental Health Professional, and Marriage Counsellor)
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Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC Counsellor Training Institute)
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