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Why is communication important?
Every relationship needs good communication between partners for it to stay healthy. Communication is especially important in the beginning of a relationship because if there is good communication in the beginning, a good foundation is built. Communication is a hard task to accomplish between couples. This is because it takes both people to fully open themselves up to each other, essentially becoming vulnerable. It is basically speaking your mind honestly to your partner which, let's face it, is not an easy task at all. But once couples master this skill (especially in the beginning), they would have a much easier time maintaining a healthy relationship.
Communication is also important because poor communication is one of the top 4 reasons that lead to couples breaking up (Read my "reasons to break-up" note if you haven't already). Communication ensures that both partners are on the same page and that all arguments are settled together. If both partners aren't on the same page, it is a good idea to let each other know so both can compromise and work at it.
Causes of poor communicationThere are many things that can lead to poor communication including distance, fear, stubbornness (probably due to pride), or just plain laziness or lack of care.
When it comes to distance, it can be physical distance, emotional distance or even both. Physical distance (distance between you and your partner, literally) can lead to emotional distance (feeling disconnected) if there isn't enough communication between partners. Emotional distance can lead to couples growing separately. Angel1628 proposed that couples in a healthy relationship grow together, essentially fusing into "one". What is meant by "one" is that both partners start off differently from their separate ways. But once they get deeper into the relationship and they've mastered their communication, they start to know each other's thoughts and can interpret each other's moves at any given time. Basically, 2 me's turn into a we (Forgive my cheesiness).
Another reason for poor communication is due to fear. Some couples are so afraid to ask what the other person is thinking. This is because they may not like what they hear or find out, therefore, the truth is unknown. It can also go the other way in that one person is too afraid to tell the truth because of what their partner will think of them after they find out. So the truth is unknown as well.
Everyone is stubborn, or at least has some pride. But if it gets into the way of communicating with your partner, that is a big problem. Many people are stubborn and feel like communication is unnecessary because "everything is fine" in their relationship. When this has become their natural attitude towards the relationship, problems will build up until one person in the relationship loses it and spontaneously combusts (metaphorically, of course). Most of the time, everything is NOT fine but no one decides to communicate, so the problems accumulate.
Lastly, the generation that exists today are naturally lazy and have lack of care. This typically conflicts with maintaining a healthy relationship because it takes work (a lot of work) to do so. Not much else to say here but if you are too lazy to communicate with your partner, chances are you don't really deserve to be in a relationship anyways.
Ways to overcome communication issuesRelationship problems arise mostly on some level of misunderstanding between the couple. If both partners give each other an opportunity to talk about how they feel, chances are things will work out fine in the end. Anyways, some ways to achieve good communication are:
Man-up, open up
As I've said before, open up to your partner because that can go a long way if you're planning on sticking around for a while. Let you partner know honestly how you feel and don't let any problems build up because at a certain point, it will become uncontrollable.
Be honest to yourself
Know what you want first before you communicate with your partner. Don't constantly change what you want as your partner will get confused. If you don't know what you want yet, discuss and maybe both of you can come up with some ideas on what you want. If two people want different things, it is better to have talked about it in the beginning of the relationship so that if things didn't work out, both of you wouldn't be as hurt (compared to halfway into the relationship).
Communicate the right amount
Yes, there is a certain amount that couples should communicate. However, there is also a point when communication becomes overwhelming. If one partner keeps asking the other what they're feeling or where they stand in the relationship due to insecurity, it becomes an issue and will possibly overwhelm the other partner. Therefore, it is up to you to decide how much communication is the right amount as different couples require different amounts of communication in their relationship.
Conclusion
Communication is ultimately one of the hardest things to master in relationships. However, if both partners achieve this skill, they are well on their way to maintaining a happy and healthy relationship. I know I haven't talked about all aspects on communication yet but this is because communication is such a broad and thorough topic that I can't simply state it all in one note. This is why there will be a part 2 on communication in my upcoming notes. Anyways, I hope you have taken something useful from this note and remember to always, always be honest to your partner if you're planning on spending the future with them.
P.S. I don't have anything to write for a disclaimer in this note, sorry.
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