Why Healthy Communication is So Important
Why Healthy Communication is So Important
Communication skills are important in all aspects of our lives. Whether that be work, personal, or just day-to-day. It’s important to be able to effectively communicate what we want and how we are feeling. Most importantly though, this communication needs to be healthy, especially in our personal relationships.
What is Healthy Communication?
Healthy communication is the ability to convey or share your emotions, feelings, and desires. In order to have healthy communication with others, your relationships must be built upon honesty and trust. Healthy communication skills can make you a better person, partner, and friend.
What is Needed for Healthy Communication?
You need to trust others and ensure that they have trust in you. Being entirely open and truthful with someone probably isn’t incredibly easy, which you should also remember when someone is opening up to you.
Mutual respect is also needed for healthy communication. There is a vulnerability that comes with these conversations, so you must respect each other. That’s why you need to be able to be both receptive and engaged. You can’t use the information to be manipulative or to betray them. And if someone does manipulate what you say, maybe it’s time to reevaluate your relationship.
Why is Healthy Communication Fundamental?
It is crucial to speak what is on your mind, to not bottle things up. Don’t let little things turn into bigger things by not sharing. Let yourself feel and allow yourself to share those feelings. The people you surround yourself with care about you. They value you regardless of what you say to them, and if they don’t, again, it might be time to reevaluate that person’s place in your life.
I know that it’s not always easy to say what you want, but it is important. If you trust someone enough, there should be no judgement. Recognizing that it can be really validating, for all parties involved. There is a shared connection there, one that can further and strengthen your relationship.
Final Thoughts
Remember to always be a good listener and be there for the people in your life. Especially when they are being vulnerable and open with you. Make sure to react to what others are saying in a genuine way. Don’t force yourself to make comments for the sake of conversation. Try to understand what is needed in that exact moment. Sometimes simply being there is enough.
If interested in learning more about how healthy communication can help your relationships, be sure to grab a copy of Redefining Normal by Justin and Alexis Black. Additionally, check out the Healthy vs. Unhealthy relationship checklist on our site!
