Communication is not just about speaking, but also listening and showing that you understand what is being said. In relationships, you should be comfortable to not only bring up happy things, but also be confident that you and your partner can talk about sad or difficult issues in your life.
Open and honest communication is essential for a healthy relationship.
What can we do to try to communicate better?
How to communicate when you are angry?
Open and honest communication is essential for a healthy relationship.
What can we do to try to communicate better?
- Find the correct time to talk
- Talk face to face- it is less likely for misunderstandings to occur, especially for difficult topics.
- Remember that it is really easy to misinterpret a text message.
- Be a good listener
- Use “I” statements; for example, “I am upset” instead of “You are making me upset”.
- Ask questions if you do not understand what they are saying.
- Do not attack or be confrontational
- Be honest- be clear about how you feel and what you need. No one can read your mind.
- Check your body language- how you move, and your facial expressions are part of the conversation
- Use a 48 hours rule- if you are not upset after 48 hours, it is not important to be angry.
How to communicate when you are angry?
- Stop
- Think
- Talk
- Listen
How do you say “No” to something you are not ready for?
For example, if you are offered cigarettes or pressured to have sex. Many teens are not ready but saying “No” when someone you like or a group of friends can be hard.
If you do not want to have a cigarette, speak up for yourself. If your partner threatens to break up with you because you do not want to have sex, it may be a sign that you are in a healthy relationship. Here are some tips to saying “NO”.
For example, if you are offered cigarettes or pressured to have sex. Many teens are not ready but saying “No” when someone you like or a group of friends can be hard.
If you do not want to have a cigarette, speak up for yourself. If your partner threatens to break up with you because you do not want to have sex, it may be a sign that you are in a healthy relationship. Here are some tips to saying “NO”.
- Have confidence in yourself and in knowing what you want - This means thinking about the situation before it happens, and thinking why you may want to say “NO” when the situation arises.
- Say “NO” out loud. You do not owe anyone any explanation why you don’t want to do what they ask. You can explain if you want to, but you do not have to.
- Tell them an alternative that you are comfortable with eg. Cuddling only, holding hands, or watching a movie only.
- Do not only use body language- say it out loud with words. Be clear and direct, look the person in the eye, do not smile or laugh when you say “NO”.
- You can also tell your partner that you love them, but are just not ready to be intimate.
