Couples Communication Tips: How To Talk To Your Partner To Improve Your Relationship
You’ve probably heard that practicing good communication is one of the keys to a happy relationship, but that’s often easier said than done. At times, communication in a relationship can be downright hard. Two people with different personalities can struggle to communicate effectively and healthily. However, if you want your relationship to last, it may be important to work on learning to talk to your partner. Keep in mind that communicating with your partner is different from simply learning how to talk to a boy or girl.
What Is Communication?
Communication is simply the act of sending or receiving information, but in a relationship, we may need to navigate the best methods to get that information across. It’s not just any type of communication that makes a couple strong. That is, it’s possible to communicate often and still not be satisfied with your relationship. Good communication is not just frequency of communication, but several other factors such as active listening, bridging gaps in communication quickly, and understanding how best to relay your feelings to your partner. No matter how challenging it might be, effective, healthy communication is key.
Tips for improving communication with your partner include:
Be honest.
Listen actively without worrying about your turn.
Pay attention to nonverbal communication.
Don’t assume your partner agrees with you.
As you continue reading, we’ll provide more details about what each of these tips really looks like and how to make them work.
The Importance Of Improving Your Communication
Studies have found that having positive and good communication can be an indicator of a couple’s happiness. Still, many couples struggle in this area. According to one poll of mental health professionals, poor communication is a leading cause of couples splitting up.
It is a common misconception that you must have a similar communication style as your partner for your relationship to succeed. While it may be more challenging to learn a new way of communication, it doesn’t have to preclude you from being able to work on issues with your partner. If this is the case in your relationship, both you and your partner might need to accommodate each other. This could mean understanding that their style might be different, but it isn’t wrong.
Furthermore, the way you give love might not be the way you want to receive love. If you don’t think you and your partner have good communication skills right now, it may not signal the end of your relationship. It’s been found that couples can improve the happiness of their relationship by learning better communication skills.
How To Talk To Your Partner About Anything
It may be important to keep in mind that your partner’s communication style, like your own, was developed before meeting each other. This could help you from getting overly upset when you are having a conversation with your partner and it doesn’t go the way you thought it would. We learn how to communicate based on our upbringing and what is modeled for us, as well as through our own personal experiences. If you two are not on the same page, it doesn’t necessarily mean that one communication style is better than the other. Having this difference can make you feel like it’s not safe to open up to your partner, but keeping the lines of communication open can help ensure that you’re not walking around with built-up emotions and frustrations that don’t get resolved.
While everyone is different, some basic rules apply to maintaining healthy communication in almost every romantic relationship. Consider keeping these in mind when you are having a conversation with your partner.
Be Honest.
The number one tip for improving communication within your relationship is to be honest with your partner. Your partner is the person you should be able to be completely open with. While it may not always be easy to be vulnerable and straightforward with your partner, it might be the only way to ensure your relationship is one you can feel safe in.
Keep in mind that arguments may turn out much worse if one partner is withholding information. You might find that having a small conflict upfront about a disagreement is much easier to resolve than waiting for the conflict to grow, either through a lie or an omission. It is important to be truthful in a conversation with your partner, especially if you expect the same.
Listen Without Worrying About Your Turn
Good communication is not just about the things you say; it’s also about being an active listener. Consider sincerely listening when your partner is talking to you. Rather than thinking about what you are going to say next, focus on their part of the conversation and think about what they’re saying to you. You might miss a lot of the conversation if you are preparing for a response before they’ve had the chance to say everything.
Pay Attention To Non-Verbal Communication
People communicate in ways other than words; in fact, a large part of communication is non-verbal. A lot can be learned by paying attention to people’s eyes, posture, and gestures. If your partner is struggling to say something to you or you feel like you’re misunderstanding them, look at their body language. It may help you decipher the message. Also, you can pay attention to your partner’s body language when you are talking to them. This will help you to recognize how they’re receiving your messages. For example, if they are shifting around and not making eye contact, that might be a sign that they’re uncomfortable with the topic at hand. It can take some time to learn these nuances, but if you pay attention, you may be able to pick up on what your partner might not be communicating verbally.
Non-verbal communication is not only a person’s expressions; it is also their actions. When you are talking to your partner, whether it is about a serious matter or not, try giving them all your attention. For example, you might want to avoid checking your phone or starting an involved activity while the two of you are talking. Consider whether the other tasks you have to do can wait.
Don’t Assume Your Partner Agrees With You
When you’ve known someone for a long time, you may start to feel like you can read their mind. This can become a dangerous habit, as it can lead you to make assumptions that aren’t necessarily accurate. When you think that you already know how the other person will feel, you often don’t feel the need to communicate with them. This can make people feel unheard and create more problems in the relationship. If a decision is important, you may need to have a conversation with your partner about it, even if you think you know how they will respond.
Communicate On A Regular Basis
In addition to the suggestions above, you might want to consider having weekly or bi-weekly check-ins or conversations with your partner to talk about the highs, lows, and concerns that each of you is having. This doesn’t have to be anything formal, but something that can be a fun, light-hearted activity that you do together over dinner or relaxing on the couch at night. You can even use conversation starters to explore fun conversations. Making conversation with your partner a regular event can make it easier to discuss difficult topics as they arise and help you and your partner better understand each other’s communication styles.
Still Struggling?
Knowing the things to talk about with your boyfriend and learning the right ways to communicate may be the best thing you can do to improve your relationship. When you find communication lagging between you and your partner, a couple’s therapist may be able to help you build better strategies together. You might consider working with an individual therapist as well to address how your past has impacted the way you communicate and learn how to improve upon that. If having healthy conversation with your partner is a priority, this may be something you want to seek out help for.
There are many potential barriers to seeking out therapy in-person. Often, couples have a difficult time speaking to a stranger about the intimate details of their relationship. Online therapy could make you feel more at ease while discussing these sensitive topics. This form of therapy is also more convenient since you can meet with your counselor from the comfort of your home.
Online therapy is also proven to be effective in couples counseling. A recent qualitative study found that many couples found videoconferencing to be beneficial in granting them a sense of “control and comfort” during sessions. This study also suggests that online therapy can create a better sense of therapeutic alliance, which is an important predictor of successful counseling.
Read below for some reviews of our BetterHelp counselors, from people experiencing a range of relationship communication issues:
Counselor Reviews
“Rachel is awesome! Gently encouraging and very responsive. I prefer to communicate via messages and I love that that is an option. I feel that she totally understands me and is never judgmental. The stress from work impacts my partner less since I’ve been talking to Rachel – I am managing my stress and insecurity better.”
“I’ve worked with Alyson for 1 month and it was my first time working with a therapist. From when I started, I feel so much better. I was dealing with frustrations in my relationship and I also was constantly stressed and anxious. Alyson showed me ways to communicate better in my relationship and how to work at them. She also helped me with stress management tactics and now I feel really good about how to handle my stress. I feel much less anxious now. Overall I am in a much happier place and obstacles feel like merely obstacles because there’s stress-free ways to tackle life problems. Thank you so much, Alyson!”
Takeaway
Communication is important in a healthy relationship. BetterHelp makes talking to a therapist easy by allowing you to get help from wherever you are and allowing you to reach out in the moment, instead of waiting weeks for an appointment. If you feel that your communication with your partner could be improved, there is help waiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Can I Start A Conversation With My Boyfriend?
If you have a new boyfriend or just feel awkward having conversations with your boyfriend, you may benefit from learning how to use conversation starters, or learning about new topics. These are fun questions or thought-provoking ones that help you move past awkward silence and help with starting the conversation with your boyfriend.
You can begin with small talk and work your way up to different topics of conversation as you start to be able to have more conversation with your boyfriend. Tell your boyfriend step in and make the conversation work at times, in a polite way.
How Do I Start A Conversation With My Boyfriend On The Phone?
Some people can have a hard time starting conversations on the phone, especially a conversation with your boyfriend. A lot of guys enjoy talking in person much more than having long conversations on the phone. However, if you and your guy are not together and phone is the best way you can communicate, there are ways to make the best of it. For example, if you have a long-distance relationship, you may want to schedule calls for a certain day of the week. Keep in mind that every conversation with your boyfriend doesn’t have to be entertaining. Sometimes it may just help to talk a little bit with each other and know that you are there for each other. You can help your boyfriend step up a little bit by asking him easy things, like “What’s your favorite color?” or other generic questions, at times. This can be especially helpful in the case of a new boyfriend, where you don’t have a lot of experience having a conversation with your boyfriend.
If you run out of natural conversation topics to talk about, you can move on to using conversation starters to help you out.
You may also find it helpful to video chat instead of simply talking on the phone. The face to face interaction can help you both to feel more at ease talking with each other. You can also use that as a time to do an activity together over the phone or be able to engage in the conversation further. You may find it easier to think of conversation topics when you can see your boyfriend. Video chats are worth trying when you are having trouble keeping up conversation with your boyfriend. These chats may help a boyfriend step in and try harder, since he doesn’t have to think about it as much. Do what you can to try as many ways as you can to have a suitable conversation with your boyfriend.
How Do I Talk To My Boyfriend On Whatsapp?
WhatsApp works like texting. While it can help you cover small talk and doing things like setting up your weekend plans, it’s not a replacement for real conversation with your boyfriend. You may be able to have some conversation fun through the app, but don’t rely on it as your main source of communication. It is worth the time it takes to have a conversation with your boyfriend. Don’t make your boyfriend step up and do all the work, since this may not be fair to them. They may have an even harder time talking to you. Consider that when you feel like you are unhappy with a conversation with your boyfriend.
How Can I Talk Romantic?
When people think of the word “romance” they tend to think of women. There is a stereotype that women want to be romanced, but there is little talk about how to be romantic with your man. People tend to think of romance as buying flowers and chocolates or opening the door for the other person. This doesn’t mean that you can’t try to be romantic when you are having a conversation with your boyfriend.
When choosing the right way to talk romantic to your man it helps to know a little about him and what he likes. And try to mix it up a little. Tell him what you love and appreciate about him. Tell him what you want to do with him, or you want him to do with you. Discuss future plans together. You can remind him of interesting stories or things you have done together when you are having a conversation with your boyfriend. Then you can work on adding new conversation topics into your future conversations. A good thing to remember is that you shouldn’t make your boyfriend step in and be the only romantic one. He may want the same thing.
It can also help to do romantic things for him instead of just saying romantic things. For example, hold his hand, spend time learning about his favorite hobby, and laugh together. Do your best to be romantic when in conversation with your boyfriend. That is a good place to start and you can start acting romantic once you determine how to do so.
What Questions Should I Ask To My BF?
There are a few strategies you can take when working on building communication with your boyfriend or having a conversation with your boyfriend. This could be talking about a hobby, movies, music, or video games that you both like. Ask questions that get him opening up about his likes and dislikes. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time together or doing something like heading on a road trip, prepare a list of questions beforehand so you’ll be ready. Having a conversation with your boyfriend shouldn’t always be hard. If you find it is, tell your boyfriend step up and carry some of the weight. If he doesn’t want to or is unable to, you may want to reach out for help with this.
If you’re more serious in your relationship, you can ask questions about things like marriage and family or plans for the future. You could also try asking hypothetical questions to get a better understand of how he thinks. This is very important if you can see yourself being with this person for the rest of your life. It is also something that you should come up eventually in a conversation with your boyfriend.
If you’re stuck in a rut with your conversation topics when it comes to conversation with your boyfriend, you could make an effort to expand into new topics that you haven’t discussed before. Look for creative ways to expand the conversation and connect on a deeper level. You can even suggest that your boyfriend step in and help you with the conversation. You can always search for new topics on the internet or ask your boyfriend to explore this article to learn more about conversations and keeping them interesting. Once you suggest a boyfriend step in, he should be able to help you come up with questions and conversations.
How Can I Make My Bf Miss Me?
When it comes to relationships, dating experts tends to encourage people to be themselves. You may want to look for ways to make sure your boyfriend misses you when you’re not around and one of the best ways to do that is to be yourself. It may make your boyfriend step out on you if he feels you are fake and can’t trust you. However, when you are having productive conversation with your boyfriend, this is not something you will need to be concerned about.
This will help you to connect on a deeper level with your partner. If he doesn’t miss you when you’re being yourself, it could be a red flag that he’s not a great fit. In the case of a new boyfriend, conversation topics should be plenteous, especially if you have not had a lot of time to talk to each other. Each conversation with your boyfriend should be a learning experience.
But if you’re looking to up your game while still staying true to who you are, consider some of these dating tips to make your man miss you more:
- Do extra special things for him from time to time to let him know you’re thinking about him.
- Remember to make the conversation fun so he’ll want to continue it.
- Let him choose the topics of conversation too and make sure you don’t monopolize the conversation. (He should let you speak too.)
- Tell him things that you appreciate about him.
- Let your boyfriend step up and ask you questions.
- Send him texts or call him to tell him sweet or sexy things.
- Let your boyfriend step in and take the lead on things sometimes.
- Do your best to learn something about him every time you have a conversation with your boyfriend.
What Can I Call My Boyfriend?
Choose what feels natural to you and what he’s comfortable with. You can ask him what he wants to be called or note what he calls you when you are having a conversation with your boyfriend. Let a boyfriend step in and show you what he wants to be called.
How Do I Comfort My Boyfriend Over The Phone?
If you find yourself in the position where you need to comfort your boyfriend over the phone or during a conversation with your boyfriend, remember to be calm and listen. Allow him to have the chance to talk. Unless he’s looking for something to distract him, this is not the time to start a conversation with your boyfriend about something happening in your own life. Let your boyfriend step in and tell you what he needs from you.
Ask how you can support him or what you can do to help. Listen and stay on the phone with him until he’s ready to get off. Don’t rush him through the conversation. Keep in mind that each conversation with your boyfriend is a chance to get to know him better. Always let a boyfriend step up and lead a situation, when it is the right thing to do, especially if you are unsure of how to handle a certain situation or conversation with your boyfriend.
How Can I Seduce Him With Words?
Some women may fall into the trap of thinking the best way to seduce a man with your words is to talk dirty to him. Genuine compliments and good conversation when you really engage in what’s he saying can be a natural way to seduce him as well. Having regular conversation with your boyfriend may be the way to seduce him. As you learn more about him, you can figure out what turns him on and what he likes. Let your boyfriend step in and show you what he’s interested in.
And just because you’re already in a relationship with him and have won him over, don’t forget to flirt with him still. This can drive men wild in a good way.
How Do You Romance A Man Physically?
Most men loved to be touched and not just sexually. Hold his hand, rub his shoulders, and sit close to him. Many dating tips and relationship advice also encourage women to think about what their guy likes them to wear or how he likes them to do their hair. When you want to look your best for your guy, make sure you take his opinion into consideration. Ask your boyfriend when you are having a conversation with your boyfriend to step up and tell you what he likes, and act or dress accordingly.
How Do You Romance A Man Deeply?
Romancing a man deeply is about connecting on a deeper level. It’s not surface level attraction. Get to know one another and build your desire for one another into something that’s more than just a physical connection. You may be one of the best success stories for someone else, when they look at your relationship, so it is worth taking the time to make it work. Keep thinking of ways to help approve of each other more. This may ultimately make your boyfriend step up and take your relationship to the next level when the time comes.
What Are Some Romantic Words To Say To A Guy?
Guys aren’t that different than girls. They like to hear nice things about themselves. Tell him what you appreciate about him when you have a conversation with your boyfriend and why you’re so happy to be with him. Tell him your favorite things about his character and his looks. Let him know that your life is better with him in it. Just be genuine about what you say and don’t use flattery. These can be some of the best topics to talk about when you want to tell someone how much they mean to you. Keep this in mind during each conversation with your boyfriend.
How Do You Test A Guy To See If He Really Loves You?
If you want to know if a guy really likes you, pay attention to his actions. Does he get nervous around you or seem to stutter during conversations with you? Does he make eye contact with you more than others? Does he prioritize you over others and even himself? Does he seem to get jealous when you pay attention to other guys? These are all signs that he’s falling for you.
If you really want to know if your boyfriend is in love with you, the best thing you can do is talk about your relationship with him. Allow your boyfriend to step up and let you know how he feels. Make sure you are paying attention in every conversation with your boyfriend, and he will probably let you know how he’s feeling about you. It’s not just about conversation topics and talking; instead, you should pay attention to his feelings and actions.
How Can U Make Your Bf Happy?
Lots of women turn to dating tips to see if they can find out how to make a boyfriend happy. Before any tips, consider if you have struggled with relationships in the past. If you have, you could benefit from meeting with a therapist to discuss where your struggles may be coming from. It can also be helpful to make sure that you have healthy self-esteem and don’t fall into “people pleasing” behaviors in your relationship.
To learn how to make your boyfriend happy, pay attention to him. Listen when he talks and when you have a conversation with your boyfriend, so you can learn about him and what he likes. Then you can use this information to find ways to brighten his day and to find new conversation topics, when it’s appropriate.
What Is The Game 21 Questions?
Playing 21 Questions is a suggestion online for dating tips. It’s a way to get to know a person better. The game consists of answering 21 questions that help you learn more about each other, what they like, what they don’t like, and even some of their history if you ask the right questions.
Questions can be around any conversation topics that you choose. Here are some sample questions:
- What was your favorite movie as a child and why?
- What inscription do you want on your gravestone?
- What is a cause that is worth dedicating your life to?
- How much do you know about the world outside your country?
- If you could only have one book to read and one thing to eat the rest of your life, what would you chose?
- What are two things you know you should know how to do but don’t?
- What makes you say, “What was I thinking?” when you look back on your life?
- What’s a popular trend that you just can’t stand?
The questions you ask can lead you both into a natural conversation when you hit on something that you’re genuinely interested in. This game can also provide future topics for you to talk about in a subsequent conversation with your boyfriend.
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