Buzz
While you might think you're a communication expert, talking to your significant other can still be tricky. But it's not impossible. According to The Wall Street Journal, with just a few helpful strategies, you can enhance how you communicate with one another.
The key here is recognizing that men and women often communicate in distinct ways, but that doesn't mean both can’t benefit from the advice offered by The Wall Street Journal as a shared approach:
FOR MEN
When you're actively listening
Resist the urge to plan your response while the other person is speaking.
Ask insightful follow-up questions. It shows that you're engaged and that you care.
Take into account how the other person prefers you to respond.
When it's your turn to speak
Hold off on giving advice unless it's specifically requested.
Make an effort to recognize your emotions and take the leap: Share them!
FOR WOMEN
When you're actively listening
Don't take offense if the other person comes across as short, particularly in email or text. It could just be their communication style.
Encourage the other person to open up by making empathic guesses, such as, 'I think you might have been feeling frustrated.'
Maintain a calm demeanor so that the other person feels comfortable sharing their emotions.
When it's your turn to speak
Simplify your story. Trim down the emotional details and focus on the essentials. It might help to prepare bullet points in advance.
Let him know how you’d prefer him to respond. For example, 'Rather than offering advice, I just need you to listen.'
These communication tips are straightforward, and at the very least, they should help you navigate miscommunications more effectively. Visit The Wall Street Journal for additional insights.
Photo by Kris Krug.
