Skip to main content

Why experts say communication in relationships is so crucial

Communication, both literal and nonverbal, can be tricky. The things that we say to each other are crucial, and on top of that, we’re always communicating with our bodies through body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. On average, adults speak over 16,000 words a day, and while we can use these words to develop deep connections, it’s likely that at least a few of them are misunderstood.

Especially in the virtual age, we connect almost 24/7 through text, calls, video chats, and Tweets. So how can we make sure we’re communicating clearly and effectively? Stick with us as we break down expert testimony on what makes communication so crucial and how we can improve it in all of our relationships.

a young couple sits outside chatting and smiling while the woman holds a coffee mug
Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

Why communication in relationships is important

Communication is a skill that you have to learn and practice, just like any other. Learning how to communicate effectively lets us state our intentions, express our truths, and get to know one another more deeply.

“Communication is about more than just being able to sit down and talk to your partner about your day. Maintaining a high level of communication in a marriage is about being able to have open and honest discussions about literally anything in your lives. You and your spouse must be able to communicate with each other effectively…and build trust so that you know and understand each other’s feelings, thoughts, and emotions,” says Nicole Beasley & Karen Devlin, LPC

Nurturing your communication skills with your partner will give you the best shot at solving and preventing serious misunderstandings. Marcelina Hardy, a Board Certified Coach and counselor, told Love To Know,”[w]ithout communication, couples may become upset with one another without even knowing why or how it started. Positive communication can lead to clear expectations and greater empathy for one another’s feelings.” With some communication practice, you’ll be able to set reasonable expectations and identify potential moments of conflict before they take over.

Steve Earlam, counselor and behaviorist, recommends that you initiate a conversation with your partner about communication if you feel like you are not being listened to, frequently argue with them (often over the same things), feel that your time together lacks genuine connection, act defensive, or notice your partner acting defensive.

Voicing your concern is one thing, but working to rectify it is a different process altogether. That’s why we’re here to help; we’ve compiled several communication exercises to improve your relationships. Keep in mind that the very best guide for relationship communication is a professional therapist, but these exercises will encourage you to practice clear and honest communication with all the people in your life.

Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Relationship communication exercises

Bonding over shared interests is one of the best ways to build relationships and is a fantastic method to maintain them. According to Courtney E. Ackerman, MSc., a positive activity should be something you can do with your partner regularly that allows for healthy and honest, but not always comfortable, conversation.

Another exercise is called Highs and Lows, a practice Beasley and Devlin made notable. Each person shares a high and a low point of their day, giving each party a chance to be heard without interruption. If your partner has a low point which you believe you can help with, ask if they’d like advice or just a listening ear.

Ackerman also recommends a round of Truth or Truth to dive a little deeper into the conversation. Whether you use this as an activity on its own or a segue into a heavier topic, taking the time to ask each other direct questions can reduce the amount of passive aggression and increase your comfort level with breaching vulnerable subjects. Simply take turns asking each other questions, as innocent, vulnerable, or vulgar as you like. Eventually, an open and honest conversation takes over and you learn more about each other in the process.

These exercises are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to bettering your communication. Remember, it’s never too early or too late to talk about communication with your partner, whether you want to ease tensions, or reach a deeper level with your significant other. While it may be uncomfortable, direct communication will bring you closer than ever.

BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
5 great products for a fun girls’ night
A group of friends toasting with cocktails

Whether it’s Galentine’s Day or just a random Thursday, having your best friends over can be just what the doctor ordered. Research published in 2018 found that friendships aid in stress management and prevention, and we could all use a little less stress these days.
Netflix night is a tried-and-true way to bond with your friends without leaving your house, but you can’t exactly strike up a meaningful conversation mid-movie. Instead, opt for activities that let the conversations flow and the good times roll.
An evening of art, food, conversations, and casual clothes can do just that. These products will help you have a great girls’ night in.

Nights out with good friends are fun, but having them over for an evening can be, too. It can also be a bit more relaxing. No shoes? No worries. You can still get cocktail service. Instead of movie night, opt for food and art. It will keep your stomach happy and the conversations going. Serving tools, like cheeseboards and cake stands, are stylish ways to leave food out for people to nibble as they paint. A cocktail mixer can turn the evening into a buzz-worthy affair. Paint and canvases are must-haves for your art project. Remember, the art doesn’t have to be award-winning. What’s important is everyone has a good time together.

Read more
How to style sweatpants so you don’t look like you just rolled out of bed
Woman wearing gray joggers with a sweatshirt and jacket

Sweatpants were once reserved only for lounging around the house or sleeping. But thanks to the growing popularity of athleisure wear and our work from home pandemic year, this is no longer the case. Sweats and joggers now have a place in everyday fashion. With the right outfit and accessories, you can dress up your sweatpants to go almost anywhere from the grocery store to the office. So how can you transform your sweats from PJs to stylish wardrobe staples? Keep reading to discover nine tips for how to look good in sweatpants.

Choose fitted sweatpants, not baggy ones
If you want to dress up your sweats, the first step is to choose the right pair to wear out. Baggy, fleece sweatpants might be cozy to wear around the house, but they can make you look schlubby when you wear them out. Choose a pair of joggers that are tapered around the ankle or sweatpants that are fitted around the waist and thighs.
Dress up your joggers with heels or boots
Sneakers and joggers are a match made in heaven. But, if you’re trying to make your sweatpants look dressier, wear them with heels or ankle boots instead. These shoes will instantly elevate your outfit and make you look fashionable no matter the occasion.
Treat them like jeans
Think of your sweatpants like your favorite pair of casual jeans; you can pair them with almost any top. Wear them with a cute sweater, button-down shirt, or simple tank top. This styling method works best with black, beige, or other neutral-colored sweatpants so you can let your top draw most of the attention.

Read more
How we help ourselves by helping others
two people holding hands

Over the last several months, there’s been a larger conversation around self-care. Mental health professionals have reminded us that we cannot pour from an empty cup, to make sure we put on our oxygen masks first, and that self-care is not selfish.
All of these statements are true, and the conversation around self-care is an important one. The National Institute of Mental Health reports about one in five U.S. adults has a mental illness. That’s more than 51 million people.
While people certainly need and deserve to take time to themselves, there’s also another way to better your mental health, and it involves giving back. Volunteering has proven psychological and physical health benefits, including boosting moods and reducing blood pressure. Here’s how we can start helping ourselves by helping others.

What are the mental health benefits of giving back?
The idea that helping others can help you isn’t mere happy talk. The idea has been put to the test by scientists and experts. Here’s what they’ve found.

Read more