essay about relationships and the importance of communication

Improving Your Communication Skills To Strengthen Your Relationship

Communication is an essential aspect of the development and maintenance of strong relationships, and this is especially true for romantic relationships. Since we can’t read minds, communication helps us to know what another person is thinking or feeling. Without it, trust, conflict resolution, and other important elements of a connection become difficult or even impossible. For those who are aiming to become  better communicators , improve their communication skills, or start communicating more effectively, there are several helpful strategies to try.

It can help reduce conflict or resolve it more quickly

If something is bothering your partner but you don’t know what it is, your chances of being able to resolve it are slim to none. Plus, the longer they stew in their upset feelings without telling them or without them getting resolved, the more likely resentment is to build. If communicating openly and honestly about your feelings as they arise is the norm in your relationship, you’re likely to be able to resolve conflicts more quickly and avoid these negative outcomes.

It can help you know your partner on a deeper level

It can help you build trust, it can benefit long-distance relationships, how to connect effectively with your partner, learn each other’s love languages.

The love languages framework was popularized by Gary Chapman in his 1992 book, The Five Love Languages. It posits that there are five main languages, or methods, in which people prefer to give and receive love. They are physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, acts of service, and quality time. Learning your partner’s primary love language and then prioritizing showing them affection in that way can be powerful. For example, if theirs is words of affirmation, writing them a note saying what you appreciate about them or sending them a text with words of encouragement might be good ways to show them love. Another example would be for those with physical touch as their love language. In that case, meeting your partner’s needs may involve learning non-verbal cues and finding ways to interpret their non-verbal communication. 

Giving affection in a way someone prefers to receive can help them feel seen, cared for, and appreciated, and it can help build the trust that strong verbal communication is usually based on. Plus, a recent study found that couples who communicate affection in their partner’s main love language report higher relationship satisfaction. This shows its importance in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Get to know each other’s communication styles

Another component of someone’s communication style relates to their logical and emotional processes. For example, if the conversation is significant and serious, some people may need to hear what their partner has to say and then take time to process it and organize their thoughts before providing a reply. Others might do better processing what they think about something out loud and in real-time. Another example is that some people might shut down when voices are raised, meaning both partners would have to prioritize remaining calm and taking breaks if emotions start to run high. The more you communicate with your partner, the more of these elements you may be able to pick up. Having an open conversation about what they need or prefer in regard to these communication elements can be effective, too.

Build strong listening skills

• Showing nonverbal involvement. This usually takes the form of nonverbal cues like head nods, eye contact, and open body language. These nonverbal communication cues can help show your partner that you’re engaged in the conversation and that you’re paying attention.
• Refraining from judgment. This component can be difficult when strong emotions are involved, but aiming to withhold judgment until your partner has finished speaking and you can process their true message may be useful to you both. It may help you remain in the moment during the conversation without being distracted by the impulse to formulate a response immediately, which can help you let them say what they need to say while you fully absorb it.
• Asking questions. When it’s appropriate to do so, asking your partner clarification questions can help you better understand their points and avoid poor communication. It also shows that you’re interested and invested in fully grasping what they have to say.

Consider working with a therapist to improve your communication skills

Whether you seek the guidance of a counselor on your own, together with your partner, or both, you might consider the option of virtual therapy.  Studies suggest  that online therapy is efficacious and equivalent to face-to-face meetings and in-person treatment, and some find the virtual format to be more comfortable and available. An  online therapy platform  like BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist who you can speak with via phone, video call, and/or chat to improve your communication skills or handle other challenges you may be facing in your relationship or other aspects of your personal life.

What is the definition of communication?

Communication is defined as the process of exchanging information between individuals or groups using a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior. This exchange can occur using various formats, including spoken or written communication, nonverbal signals, visual images, and electronic media. The process involves a sender conveying a message to a receiver, who then interprets it and may respond. 

Effective communication requires clarity, understanding, and feedback. It enables individuals to share their thoughts and understand others' perspectives. Clear communication plays a fundamental role in all aspects of human interaction, and poor communication can lead to misunderstandings or other adverse effects. 

What is the most important point of communication?

The most important point of communication is subjective, and the answer may vary from person to person. Many would likely say that mutual understanding is the most important point. Mutual understanding means that everyone has a clear understanding of the information, ideas, or feelings that are being expressed. Another important point is likely the ability to communicate perspectives other than one’s own. Perspective-taking often requires a significant amount of information to be conveyed, sometimes through multiple communication channels. 

The practical uses of communication are also extremely important. For example, many jobs consider good communication a key factor in an employee’s ability to contribute to the workplace. It is increasingly common for a business or organization to value soft skills , such as clear, respectful verbal and written communications, as highly as they value practical skills. Management of a company often looks for team players with excellent communication skills, especially if they can interface with those who have different communication needs. 

What are the benefits of good communication?

There are many benefits of good communication, some more significant than others, but it is unlikely to find a situation that good communication makes worse. Some commonly cited benefits include: 

• Better relationships. Good communication enhances trust, mutual understanding, and positive feelings. 
• Improved teamwork. Communication often facilitates working in groups. Groups are likely to be more cohesive, have a better understanding of their roles, and be more receptive to input from other members. 
• Conflict resolution. Conflicts can often be defused if the parties can communicate well enough to reach mutual understanding or common ground. 
• Better leadership. Learning how to communicate effectively is often considered one of the most important leadership skills a person can have. 
• Improved efficiency. Good communication typically reduces the number of errors and misunderstandings between parties. 

What is the importance of social communication?

Social communication is important for maintaining positive social relationships. Whether personal or professional, communication is a key part of establishing a positive, productive connection. It is also considered particularly useful for progressing in a career. Employers tend to value communication highly , among other soft skills, and good social communication at someone’s place of employment is likely to help them achieve their career goals.  

How can someone communicate effectively?

There are many ways you can improve communication to make it more effective. While the process will look slightly different for each person, there are some common tips for improving communication that you may find useful: 

• Strive for clarity. Choose your words carefully when crafting your message, and try to be as brief as possible while still getting your point across. 
• Watch your nonverbals. Many experts believe that nonverbal cues have a significantly greater impact than the spoken word. Be sure to wear a neutral or positive facial expression, adopt a non-threatening posture, and use a gentle tone when communicating verbally.  
• Focus on emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence forms the foundation of good communication. It includes both self-awareness and social awareness, and improving your emotional intelligence will likely give you greater insight into how you are communicating and how your communication is received.  

Why is it important to interact with others?

Social interaction is important for many factors, but perhaps the most important is the impact loneliness can have on a person’s well-being . Social isolation can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It is also associated with reduced adherence to health-promoting behaviors, like eating a healthy diet, exercising, or visiting with a medical professional. In contrast, positive social interactions are known to protect against depression and promote healthy behaviors. There isn’t a specific amount of interaction that’s right for everybody. Some people need more, some less. As long as you feel your social needs are being met, you are likely interacting with others enough to see benefits. 

• Starting Over: How To Heal And Move On After A Breakup Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis , LCMHC
• Unhappy In The Relationship: Should I Seek Couples Therapy? Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox , NCC, LPC
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