How we communicate with others is a strong determinant of how healthy the relationship will be. Do we state our needs or expect them to know what we desire? Do we express our feelings or keep silent? Here are a few examples of unhealthy communication patterns that may have been learned out of fear or habit that are no longer useful:
- Keeping quiet or agreeing to unreasonable requests to avoid conflict.
- Making promises or threats that we will not carry out in attempt to have others meet our needs.
- Saying “yes” to avoid disappointing others.
Before speaking, pause to consider if we mean what we say, before we say it. Communicating more responsibly means:
- Learning to say “no” some of the time, even if it means disappointing others.
- Expressing wants, needs, thoughts and feelings to people we trust and know care about us.
- Sharing thoughts in a straightforward manner.
Honesty is good for us and more respectful of others. Communicating to others what we want others to know about us is our responsibility.
“What will they think of me? Must be put aside for bliss.” Joseph Campbell