Five Craigslist Essential Communications Tips for New Couples
If you are just in the beginning phases of a new relationship, enjoy the ride. Developing a bond with somebody you care about and are attracted to is special and meaningful. While in the process of getting to know each other, you are becoming a team. Because so much of your relationship’s future depends on your ability to communicate, it is essential that you recognize the best ways to communicate with your partner. The following are five essential communications tips for new couples:
1) Be Honest
Tell the truth. If your boyfriend or girlfriend asks you a question that you don’t want to answer, politely decline to answer. Sometimes it seems like it’s easier to tell somebody what they want to hear, but in the long run, it’s not worth it. You want to be somebody that they trust and respect. Lying to a person you have a close relationship is never the right thing to do.
2) Have Real Conversations Beyond Text Messaging and Emailing
It’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of electronic communication. Especially during work hours, when you want to talk to each other, it can be difficult to have an actual conversation. Although there is nothing wrong with having a conversation via e-mail or text messaging, there is a certain cryptness, especially with text messaging, that doesn’t help you develop a crowded relationship. Save text messages when you need to tell somebody that you’re running late or what store to meet you at in the mall.
3) Remember to Listen
In a conversation, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking about what you are going to say next. If the discussion is heated, your brain will be working hard to come up with a response, and may not even fully process what the other person is saying. If you can become a good listener, you will be taken seriously, and respected when you have something to say. Never interrupt somebody when they are trying to make a point. Give them their turn, and you will have an opportunity to respond. If you have a hard time doing this, summarize their point to make sure you understand it. . Say something like, “so what you are saying is…”
4) Control your Reaction
Before you respond to a question or accusation, consider whether or not you are being realistic. Is your reaction appropriate and respectful of your boyfriend or girlfriend, or is it overly emotional or rude? Always realize that even if your partner said or did something to hurt you, you can make the situation exponentially worse by reacting rudely or poorly.
5) Pick Your Battles
As a teenager, you probably heard the advice to pick your battles with your parents. Was it really worth it to fight your parents over privileges and car keys? Maybe sometimes, but most of the time it wasn’t that important. This same skill can be applied to relationships. What issues are you passionate enough about to really take a stand? You can avoid a lot of arguments if you only stand your ground on things that are worth fighting for.
A new relationship as a couple is precious. If you do something hurtful, apologize and mend things up before it is too late. Always be appreciative of your lover, and never take them for granted.