Communication & Relationships

Breakups happen and often for reasons such as financial stress, infidelity, or even in-laws and friends. But one of the top reasons for a failed relationship is poor communication. Communication is most important to maintaining a healthy relationship.  Dr. John Grohol, founder & CEO of Psych Central, asserts that while nobody is a perfect communicator all the time, you can work to become better.  Dr. Grohol offers 9 Steps to Better Communication. While they won’t all work, nor will they work all the time, better communication begins with one person making the effort to improve, which often encourages the other to come along for the ride.

It is essential to share how you feel with your partner and to let him or her know what is going on with you, even if they are the cause of your hurt or frustration. Keep your partner engaged and involved in what is going on in your life. To enhance your relationship and communication, make time to check-in throughout the day and listen to your partner’s stories and concerns.

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Computers in Human Behavior and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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