The two most important things that act as pillars of a relationship are effective communication and active listening. A good partner knows how to keep the right balance between these two valuable aspects. Imagine a partner who is a great communicator, but doesn’t pay attention when you talk. Sounds frustrating, right? This relationship would be a complete disaster as your partner would not be in sync with your feelings. He will not make you feel heard. Here are some tips to deal with your partner, if they are a bad listener.
Active listening
The best way to get the behaviour you want is to act like it yourself. Encourage the active listening you want, don’t just give 100% for the show. When your partner is communicating with you, give them your full attention, show them they’ve caught your interest with small gestures like firm eye contact and head nods, and turn off any nearby distractions, be it your cell phone, the TV, or anything else.
Set clear communication goals
Let them know how you want communication to go between the two of you. Determine what effective and ideal communication looks like for each of you, understand each other’s preferred way of communicating, and then find common ground to create a perfect balance between what you need during interactions and what the other needs.
Choose the right place and time to talk
The timing and situation you are in can have a significant impact on how your partner perceives you. It is very important that you do not have delicate and detailed conversations in already stressful situations or when your partner is busy or distracted with something. A calm, upbeat and light-hearted environment can be beneficial for an important conversation. Find a quiet and peaceful time when both of you are in a good mood and try to start the conversation. This will make it clear that you respect and value the other person’s space, while also taking a step forward by letting them know what you need.
Consider professional support
Sometimes seeking professional help is not only necessary but can also prove to be extremely beneficial and do wonders for your relationship. If the situation in the relationship is not improving despite consistent efforts and communication, a third party’s perspective can help improve it by understanding both sides of the story and offering tailored strategies and methods to encourage discussion and help both parties understand each other’s point of view in the required setting.
