Having A Successful Conversation With Your Significant Other

Have you ever felt like you were just not being listened to? Annoying, to say the least! Sometimes, with our significant others, we simply cannot seem to get our ideas across, make our positions known, or talk out some kind of resolution to issues that we are having with them.

We have to take responsibility for our part of the conversation, meaning that we have to choose a time when both parties are ready to talk, and we need to stay on the subject (and not allow our significant other to drift off topic!). We need to phrase our conversation in a positive manner, so that the other party will not feel threatened and turn defensive.

Have your conversation with the person – do not talk down to them. Make sure that they feel safe in the environment that you have chosen to have the conversation in. If they chose the environment, make sure that you feel safe in it. Be clear about what you want to discuss. If the conversation starts to get out of hand – end it, leaving if you have to.

Listen closely to what your significant other is saying, and note their body language. Make sure that their body language matches their words, or the intent is not there. If you are not sure what your significant other has just said, repeat back to them what you think you heard. Allow them to explain their point of view.

Remember – you do not have to answer a question or make a decision if you do not feel prepared to do so. Let your significant other know that you will think about what they said, and get back to them.

Remember – successful conversations are based on clear intention, listening with intent and compassion, and making a significant attempt to see t he other person’s point of view.