True healthy relationships can be elusive, even when conditions seem ideal. Many factors contribute to this elusiveness, but there are things we can do to keep our relationship in the best shape possible.
First and foremost is clear communication. All other efforts to improve our relationships hinge on understanding and understanding can’t begin until we talk honestly to our significant other, especially when we sense feelings from our companions which we don’t fully understand.
Our tendency is to assign labels to the feelings we sense. However, we use the knowledge we have (or the knowledge we think we have) to do so. Add a sprinkle of our own insecurities and, wah-lah, misinterpretations cause rifts and rifts complicate relationships.
The way to avoid this situation is to find out more information before we label our feelings. We know that general questions get general answers. For example, asking “What is wrong?” will elicit a “Nothing” answer. So capitalize on what you do know and formulate specific questions to reach a place where mutual understanding can flourish. Open, honest, supportive communication is a huge part of keeping our relationships healthy.
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