How to Improve Your Relationships With Good Communication

When people stop talking and listening to each other, they tend to gather their information from outside sources; this often results in misunderstandings, rumors and frustration. Of course, third-party information is highly prone to error. If you obtain information about family members, friends and co-workers in this manner, it may escalate a conflict further. For this reason, it's important to keep the lines of communication open in your relationships and improve them when possible.

Instructions

• 1

  Practice active listening. You don't have to agree with the opinion of the other party, but you should listen and understand the meaning of the message. Do not tune out or misconstrue an opinion because you don't agree with it.

• 2

  Re-establish communication to correct and avoid misunderstandings. Choose a trustworthy third-party intermediary to carry messages or ideas back and forth between both parties. Once both parties develop interpersonal trust, they may get together for face-to-face communication.

• 3

  Resolve a conflict through dialogue. Attend a problem-solving workshop, or request the assistance of a therapist, mediator or religious leader, to help explore feelings about a conflict. Although a dialogue may not lead to resolution, parties may establish a mutual understanding that can pave the way for compromise and compassion.

• 4

  Speak for a purpose. Before you speak, pause and consider what you want to say. Understand why you want to communicate your idea and how you can do it in the clearest possible way.