BellaOnline Forums Relationships Dating Effective Communication

Hey, everyone! This week's article focuses on how to communicate effectively with others. Remember that sharp communication skills make for happier relationships.

Great article. I would add that it's important to state before hand what you would like from the conversation. I guess this is part of being honest. If I have something serious to discuss with my husband, I say before hand "I want you to just listen, but don't comment" or "I want you to tell me what you think."

I learned this tip from the book How to Get Through to the Man You Love by Michele Weiner-Davis and it works like a charm. Before learning this trick, I might tell my husband something and he'd either say nothing when I wanted him to comment or he'd comment, when I just needed a sounding board and I'd get mad at him LOL. Now I tell him before hand what I need and he delivers every time!

Thanks so much for your input Leah. I agree that it is important to let your partner know what it is that you expect of him. Too often people assume that their partners know exactly what they are thinking, which only leads to even more miscommunication.