"Communicate. Sometimes all it takes to make any kind of relationship work is talking through your issues. And whilst you talk, learn to listen. Everyone is passionate about their own point of view, and you might not see the flaws in your own until you listen to someone else's" Communication can genuinely take people far as without it people are left misunderstood and confused. Just imagine how many bonds have been broken as a result of miscommunication! I believe genuine communication is vital in our society as so many people fail to acknowledge it's benefits. (Which is honestly so unfortunate!) And So many people shy away from being truly honest and would rather stay quiet than saying something that may be controversial.
"But this is a good idea because it causes fewer problems ?"
Nope!, Now I'm not saying go pick an argument with every single person you encounter. But I am saying if you disagree with someone's opinion whether it is someone gossiping to you about one of your friends or someone basing a judgement about someone else because of something they've heard or thought you can't just sit there in the silence or behave like those assumptions are facts because they aren't! Especially since you haven't been given direct clarity.
"Assumptions aren’t facts; they’re opportunities for research and testing.”
―Laurie Buchanan, PhD
I like this quote as I do agree with assumptions being opportunities to find out more information so you can have a more accurate judgement.
Also, Non-verbal communication does a lot more than people realise and sometimes silence really can be deafening. Same goes with body language, these are great ways to interpret what someone is saying. But they can easily be misinterpreted so that's another reason I can't stress enough the importance of saying how you really feel. For me, it's the same concept as "If you never ask the answer will always be no".
Through communication relationships and bonds grow closer as people become to be a driving force for deeper connections. So many people are passive and believe that keeping things to themselves is more beneficial rather than confiding with other people but how effective is this really?
People really don't understand the importance of letting in another perspective and don't realise how impactful this can truly be! Honestly, I can't even begin to imagine all the people who are confused during a conversation but just respond "Ohh I get it" for the fear of seeming less intelligent instead of embracing learning and gaining clarity. (We've all done it!)
Just think about all the people who's issues could be resolved, All the people who're lives could be saved and the clarity to help people who are thinking irrationally as now their thoughts are now given a rational answer!
Effective communication is a lot more important when developing relationships and friendships because it is an exchange of information and thoughts between people! Communication can be effective when done reasonably.
Here is a lighthearted comic example of ineffective communication between a couple. Initially, Blue tie was unaware of what kind of Dog was in the lift. He was then told by the owner that the Dog is indeed a chocolate lab. One of the few errors in this conversation is that the Dog owner didn't say chocolate Labrador and that blue tie didn't specify to his partner chocolate lab is a Dog breed. As you can see leaving her very confused as to why a chocolate lab would even be in a lift.
In healthier relationships, Conversations include more co-operation which is helpful because conflicts are taken as another opportunity to increase shared understanding. In contrast to unhealthy relationships where conversations have "white lies" and tend to be aggressive rather than argumentative. Also, when unhealthy communication patterns are repetitive problems become overlooked to avoid conflict.
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” - Stephen R. Covey
Many people fail to realise that communication and understanding go hand in hand and even though communicating can seem effective. If someone doesn't receive the information accurately then there's silent chaos.
Communication goes a long way and I think many people disregard how beneficial it really is. Especially in a society where a lot of people like to glorify doing things alone and are really quick to cut off bonds with others. I think people need to be more patient and acknowledge the values people bring in to their lives and not just be as focused on the flaws of others. I genuinely think if effective communication was implemented more, society, in general, would be a lot better!
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