It’s hard to trust people and to open up. Being vulnerable is scary. It is said that communication is key, but there is also so much more to this common saying.
Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity. Every disagreement can be resolved if both parties communicate clearly. It’s easier said than done. Pride, arrogance and confidence come into play and things can get messy. In the short term, you will have the satisfaction of having won an argument. And yes you won, but at what cost? Was it worth risking the friendship just to prove your point? In the long run, regrets turn into haunting reminders. But with good communication, you can keep your relationships healthy and strong.
Good communication starts with connection.
Feeling connected with a person is not entirely something you can control. But there are ways to start feeling connected. Explore interests, find common ground and discuss opinions. When first meeting a person, it is not wise to talk about differences of opinion. Instead, focus on what you have in common. Talk about hobbies, interests, skills, likes and dislikes. We are all different in our opinions and have different perspectives on the world. Being too stubborn about your opinions could end badly. To truly connect with a person, you need time. You need to talk. Sometimes you will feel distant, but in the end, with good communication, you can always understand things.
The most important part of communication is hearing what hasn’t been said.
Communication is more than just words that are said to fill the silence. To be able to understand the meaning of what was said, understand that the emotion and reason behind the words is where the communication really is. We often listen to respond. It is much more crucial to listen to someone than to listen to yourself. Listen to understand, not to respond. Listening is just as important as talking.
Words are the most powerful drugs used by mankind.
It is important to use these words wisely. It is important to speak because you have something to say, not because you have to say something. What you say should improve the silence. Words have power. An immense power beyond our imagination. The words you speak can brighten someone’s day, give them hope, make them smile, and convey kindness. Words can also have devastating results. They can hurt. Words can cause wounds that bleed but cannot be seen. Be aware of what you say.
You should probably be honest.
It’s often said that communication should be honest, but sometimes the truth hurts more than a white lie. Does that mean you’re holding back? The answer is unfortunately no. No matter how bad the truth is, lying is worse. Being honest goes beyond just telling the truth. You must say what you say. Not mentioning something isn’t technically lying, but since it involves withholding information, it counts as a lack of honesty. Being honest is hard. It’s hard to face things for what they are, but reality is what it is. Honest communication is important.
It is only through communication that human life has meaning. And the only way to get better at communication is to actually do it.
