window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-GEQWY429QJ');

 

Communication in relationships can be difficult sometimes. We are either so caught up thinking about what we want to say that we fail to listen. Or we are so caught up listening to others that we forget out about ourselves. Understanding our communication style will help us build and establish healthier relationships with our loved one.

Many of us assume that communication will spark a connection between two people. That may be true but you are lucky if you find a connection that instantly requires no effort. There also has to be other ways to connect, such as activities or collaborating on something together. However, communication must be genuine and consistent.

There are many ways that you can improve your communication in all your relationships but first, you should know how you communicate. Here are four basic communication styles that you should know.

1 Passive Communication

A passive communicator has developed a pattern of not expressing their feelings or opinions correctly. Passive communicators have the victim, martyr, and procrastinator qualities but very rarely speak up. Passive communicators depend heavily on survival and would rather not stir up, or be the cause of chaos. If you are a passive communicator, you are less likely to assert yourself and more likely to speak softly or apologetically.  You tend to be slow to anger, but when you’ve had enough you will let it all out at once.

It’s recommended that the minute you are feeling this way, you take time to understand it, find emotional safety and then express it. In any relationship, your voice matters.

2 Aggressive Communication

Aggressive communicators are the complete opposite of a passive communicator. These type of communicators express their feelings and opinions but often times it can cause a violation of the rights of others. One of the most common traits in aggressive communicators is verbal and physical abuse. Aggressive communicators have a hard time listening and considering others’ feelings.

A lot of the anger aggressive communicators express comes from past traumas, low self-esteem and abuse. If you are confronted with an aggressive communicator, it is safer to leave the relationship and to encourage them to seek professional help.

3 Passive- Aggressive Communication

While they may appear passive on the outside, behind the scenes, passive communicators are acting out of anger. They use their anger to express feelings of powerlessness and resent. This will lead them to avoid the real issues at hand.

Finding other ways to release these feelings is healthy.   It’s important to acknowledge when you are feeling anger and pinpoint where it is coming from. If the anger does not subside, releasing it with exercise or creative projects can help ease the emotion. Once you’ve smoothed out any feelings of anger, it’s constructive to express your feelings and seek understanding.

4 Assertive Communication

Assertive communicators are likely to state their needs and opinions without disrespecting others in the process. Assertive communicators value many things such as time, emotions and more importantly, themselves. Being an assertive communicator is also the healthiest way of communicating because it is based on respect and understanding.  This style of communication reduces stress while empowering your ability to stand up for yourself. Additionally, it is the most effective communication style that creates a healthy space for both parties to understand each other.

As you grow, you develop other forms of communicating. No matter where you are in life, knowing your communication style is very important because it will help you understand yourself and others better.

Send this to a friend