3 Communication Pointers to Strengthen Relationships

Nov. 2024

Positive and supportive communication skills are essential for building solid foundations and sustaining our relationships across time and across life’s ups and downs.  Sometimes we get caught up in our daily activities, however, and we miss a moment to truly connect or create meaningful communication.  In other instances, we may be focused on matters that trigger stress and we may find it hard to open up or be more present in a conversation.  Below are 3 communication tips we can practice for reconnecting or tuning in with our loved ones to help strengthen the bond in our relationships:

1.       Initiating a conversation with “Tell me more about what you’re thinking/feeling about (a specific subject).  This is a helpful opener that shows you are interested in their perspective and want to explore an issue more in depth.  Here it helps to stay in a more empathic and curious stance, refraining from judgment, so you can learn more about how you both feel about the situation being discussed.

2.       Pointing out one of your loved one’s strengths and recognizing how you admire that quality in them to start a conversation.  It can be applied to a recent situation or something in general you have observed.  For example, I like how you resolved ____ the other day, I admire how you ____.  This can lead or tie in to something else you each may want to talk about as well.

3.       Asking for something with the language of “Requests” as opposed to the language of “Demands.”  Starting with, “You have to ____” or, “make sure you ___” with a demanding/ordering tone will shorten communication and create barriers.   On the contrary if we use, “Could you help me____?” or, “Would you mind _____?” and, “Would you be able to____?” it will come through differently.  Applying a softer tone and a “thanks!” with eye contact will also create a more meaningful exchange.  

These communication pointers are some of the creative and supportive ways we can deepen the emotional connection in our close relationships.  When we consider additional factors, such as choosing the best time/place to talk, our current energy, our attentive body language (without phones or distractions on hand), and the positive intentions behind what we say, our communication can uplift us and take our relationships to even higher levels of connection!

Author: M. Sanchez, MFT, YT200 222MS Coach/ Founder/ Owner