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Maintaining a healthy relationship is not as simple as spending time together or living in the same place; relationships take work! Though some of us might have the tendency to put little work into our closest relationships, they often suffer as a result. Making a concerted effort to connect with the people we love can go a long way toward strengthening our connection. Although we might understand in the abstract that putting effort into our relationships is important, some of us struggle to understand how to put forth effort that will be received and valued by those we love. If you are one of these people who sometimes struggles to show how important your loved ones are to you, there are some simple forms of communication you can put into practice. Each of these simple steps can lead to lasting improvements in your relationships, and the reward will be plentiful in return! However, you will notice that each approach to communication requires verbal communication, and getting treatment for hearing loss is a crucial step toward building strong relationships.
Ask Questions to Show You Care
It is too easy in relationships to simply spout off our own opinions and thoughts without seeking out the input of those we love. Any healthy relationship is a two-way street! If you would like to strengthen your relationships, asking concerned questions is a simple first step. Begin by imagining the life of the person you care about. What has been happening in work, creativity, or other relationships? Did they admit a struggle or frustration to you on which you can follow up? Simply asking another person’s thoughts or opinions on a topic is an excellent way to show that their thinking matters to you.
Express Your Feelings
Talking about how we feel comes easier to some than others, yet too many of us expect our loved ones to be “mind readers” when it comes to our feelings. Unless you are able to communicate your feelings, how can a loved one know how much you care? Expressing feelings may be as simple as saying “I love you,” or may be as meaningful as explaining the many strong emotions you feel being around another person. Whether you are the type to constantly remind your loved ones how you feel or if you feel more guarded with your emotions, it is crucial to let others know how you feel.
Focus On the Positive
Negativity can be like a toxic substance in a relationship, particularly when it comes to your feelings about another person. If you are having negative feelings about your loved one, it is important to find the right way to communicate those feelings. Although the simplest way is to blurt out your negativity when it comes to mind, there may be a better time to have a direct conversation about your feelings. If you are frustrated or angry, give yourself time to take the edge off your emotions before you vent them on a loved one. Communication is not simply an act of blurting out what comes to mind; the way we communicate is almost as important as what is said.
Don’t Delay
One of the tragedies of life is neglecting to tell others how we feel until it is too late. Perhaps you have not been communicating your feelings to a loved one. This lack of communication can do damage to your relationship, and it’s never too late to say how you feel. Rather than putting off talking about your feelings, why not speak up right away? You won’t regret honestly communicating how much you love the most important people in your life.
Hearing Treatment and Relationships
As you can see, these communication tips for strong relationships all require verbal conversation to be effective, and verbal communication requires active listening. If you or someone you love has trouble with hearing or suspects potential hearing loss, don’t delay getting a hearing exam to see how you are doing. Once you have the results, you can pursue hearing treatment that will make it possible to communicate again, building strength into your relationships and restoring a feeling of closeness and trust.