To have a healthy and safe relationship, it is important to communicate with your partner. A relationship is based on a foundation of understanding, loyalty and communication. With time, the people involved in the relationship undergo change, and when it is clearly communicated, it helps the other person understand and acknowledge the growth and changes. To have clear communication in a relationship, it is important to have an understanding nature, be open to the perspective of others and be a good listener. Psychotherapist Elizabeth Earnshaw addressed the importance of good communication in relationships and spoke of the signs that can denote that the communication pattern is correct and healthy. Here are the signs noted down by the expert:
Needs are valid: To communicate about our own needs, we need to first validate them and acknowledge them as important. The next step is to communicate the needs we have in clear words and make the other person understand the importance of it.
Comfort: The level of comfort for both partners in the relationship is important. Only then, it can become a healthy and safe space. It is important to understand the necessity of the comfort of ourselves and that of our partners.
Listening: The first part of communication is to listen patiently and understand the perspective of the other person. The next step is to respond to the situation, and not react.
Believe in equality: Love and care are important in a relationship. The love that we have for the other person is as essential as the love and care that we have for ourselves. We must understand that everyone is equally entitled to love and care.
Standing up: To be in a safe relationship is to also have the space to stand up for ourselves. But just how we do it for ourselves, we must create the space for the other person to stand up for them as well.
Flexibility: We should be flexible as well as hold ground on the needs that we have.
