Communication between couples is a fundamental element to maintain a healthy and satisfying relationship. The way we communicate with our partner can influence the quality of the relationship, intimacy, and mutual satisfaction. Through communication, we express our thoughts, feelings and needs, and it is crucial to establish norms and guidelines for effective communication. In this article, we will explore the 13 rules of communication between couples that can help strengthen emotional bonds and improve coexistence.
1. Active listening
Active listening is essential in any relationship, since it involves paying attention to what the other person is saying, showing interest and empathy. As a couple, it is important to practice active listening to understand the concerns, emotions and needs of the other. This involves not only hearing the words being said, but also interpreting non-verbal language and responding in a respectful and understanding manner.
How to practice active listening?
To improve active listening in the couple, it is important to maintain eye contact, not interrupt the other while speaking, ask questions to clarify doubts and summarize what has been understood to confirm understanding. Showing genuine interest and empathy during the conversation strengthens emotional connection and effective communication.
2. Express emotions assertively
Communicating our emotions clearly and respectfully is essential for effective communication between couples. Expressing what we feel assertively, that is, honestly but without aggressiveness, fosters understanding and conflict resolution. Avoiding passivity, which involves hiding our emotions, or aggressiveness, which involves expressing them violently, contributes to building healthy and open communication.
Tips for expressing emotions assertively:
Using phrases in the first person to express how we feel, avoiding judgments or criticism towards the partner, and looking for suitable moments and a conducive environment to address emotional topics are key to communicating our emotions assertively.
3. Mutual respect
Mutual respect is the basis of healthy communication between couples. Showing consideration, courtesy, and valuing the other's opinions and feelings contributes to maintaining a climate of respect and trust in the relationship. Respecting the limits and autonomy of each member of the couple strengthens the emotional bond and promotes respectful communication.
Keys to cultivating mutual respect:
Listen without judging, avoid criticism destructive behaviors, showing appreciation and gratitude for the couple's positive actions, and providing unconditional support are behaviors that foster mutual respect in couple communication.
4. Non-verbal communication
Non-verbal communication, which includes gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice and posture, is as important as the words used in couple interaction. Often, the way we communicate through our body language can convey emotions and messages more powerful than words. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to non-verbal communication in the couple to understand the true meaning behind the interactions.
Key aspects of non-verbal communication:
Maintain eye contact , using open and receptive body language, regulating the tone of voice to reflect emotions, and showing gestures of affection and closeness are ways to strengthen non-verbal communication in the couple.
5. Resolve conflicts constructively
Conflicts are inevitable in every relationship, but the way they are addressed and resolved can make a difference in the quality of communication and the stability of the relationship. Resolving conflicts constructively involves listening actively, expressing emotions assertively, seeking solutions to common problems and committing to finding a balance that benefits both parties.
Keys to resolving conflicts constructively:
Identifying the underlying causes of conflicts, avoiding escalating arguments, practicing empathy toward the couple's perspective, and seeking compromises and creative solutions are effective strategies for addressing conflict constructively in couple communication. .
6. Open and honest communication
Transparency and honesty are fundamental pillars of healthy communication between couples. Being able to express thoughts, feelings, and needs clearly and sincerely promotes mutual trust and emotional intimacy. Open communication involves sharing relevant information, being honest in interactions, and maintaining a receptive attitude toward your partner's communication.
Benefits of open and honest communication:
Build trust, Strengthening emotional intimacy, fostering complicity and connection, and promoting a climate of transparency and sincerity are advantages of maintaining open and honest communication in the couple.
7. Empathy and understanding
Empathy, the ability to put yourself in the other's shoes and understand their emotions and perspectives, is essential for effective communication between couples. Showing empathy towards your partner, validating their emotions and demonstrating understanding contributes to strengthening the emotional connection and resolving conflicts in a more constructive way.
Ways to practice empathy in your couple:
Listening Actively without judging, validating the partner's emotions, showing genuine interest in their well-being, and seeking to understand their point of view are ways to demonstrate empathy and understanding in couple communication.
8. Learn to negotiate and reach agreements
Negotiation is an important skill in couple communication, as it allows you to find solutions that satisfy the needs and desires of both members. Learning to negotiate effectively, identify common interests and reach equitable agreements strengthens the relationship and promotes collaboration in decision making.
Keys to negotiating and reaching agreements:
Defining common objectives, exploring different solution options, prioritizing the needs of both members, and being willing to compromise on certain aspects are key strategies for negotiating and reaching agreements in couple communication.
9. Avoid passive-aggressive communication
Passive-aggressive communication, which involves indirectly expressing anger, resentment or disagreement, can be harmful to the relationship. Avoiding passive-aggressive communication and choosing to directly express concerns, emotions and needs contributes to clearer, honest and respectful communication.
Consequences of passive-aggressive communication:
Generating misunderstandings, deteriorating trust, increasing tension in the couple, and making conflict resolution difficult are some of the negative consequences of passive-aggressive communication in the relationship.
10. Review and improve communication regularly
Communication within a couple is a continuous process that requires constant review and improvement. Spending time evaluating the quality of communication, identifying areas for improvement and looking for strategies to strengthen interaction contributes to maintaining effective and satisfactory communication in the relationship.
Tips for reviewing and improving communication as a couple:
Scheduling specific times to talk about communication, requesting feedback from the couple, practicing active communication skills, and setting clear goals for communication growth are ways to review and improve the quality of interaction in the relationship. couple.
11. Promote acceptance and tolerance
Acceptance and tolerance are fundamental aspects in couple communication, since they allow differences to be respected, value the individuality of each member and promote a climate of understanding and mutual acceptance. Accepting the opinions, beliefs and preferences of the couple without judging and practicing tolerance towards their different points of view favors coexistence and respect in the relationship.
Benefits of promoting acceptance and tolerance:
Promoting an environment of respect, reducing conflict, strengthening mutual trust, and promoting self-expression and authenticity are advantages of promoting acceptance and tolerance in couple communication.
12 . Celebrate achievements and reinforce positivity
Recognizing and celebrating the couple's achievements, virtues and efforts strengthens communication and promotes emotional connection. Reinforcing positivity, expressing gratitude and appreciation for your partner's qualities and actions, and celebrating successes and achievements together fosters a climate of trust, support, and love in the relationship.
Ways to celebrate achievements and reinforce positivity:
Expressing praise and recognition, celebrating important milestones together, showing appreciation for the couple's efforts, and cultivating an environment of optimism and joy are strategies for celebrating achievements and reinforcing positivity in couple communication.
13. Practice empathy and self-care
Empathy towards oneself and towards one's partner is essential to maintain healthy and balanced communication. Practicing self-care, taking care of our emotional and physical needs, and promoting compassion and empathy in the relationship promotes individual well-being and harmony in the couple.
Importance of empathy and self-care in communication as a couple:
Strengthening self-esteem and self-acceptance, promoting emotional connection with your partner, preventing emotional exhaustion, and cultivating compassion and tolerance with yourself and others are key aspects of practicing empathy. and self-care in couple communication.