There are four main communication styles in relationships.
Here’s how to identify yours and your partner’s to improve your relationship.
Differing communication styles in relationships can make things challengingbut its not necessarily arelationship red flag.
(Cue a big sigh of relief.)
The 4 main communication styles in relationships, according to therapists
1.
Assertive communication
All the therapists interviewed for this story listed assertive as the ideal communication style.
psychotherapist and founder of Deeper Well Therapy
Additionally, assertive communicators are great at advocating for themselves clearly, calmly, and directly, says Oatman.
These folks often come across as abrasive, demanding, explosive, threatening, and intimidating, he says.
They can bedefensive when confronted, making discussions challenging at best.
(They might say things like Ill eat whatever!
or, Im okay doing anything you want to do.)
Basically, theyre unable to say no, says Howard.
Thats why passive communicators often feel isolated in relationships, adds Stuempfig: Theyre not getting their needs met.
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4.
Passive-aggressive communication
Like the passive communicators, passive-aggressive folksdont directly share their needs or feelings.
psychotherapist and founder of Deeper Well Therapy
Rather than confronting a person or topic, passive-aggressive communicators will complain to themselves, says Howard.
Set boundaries
According to Ruiz, even the best communicators can get angry at times.
Avoid the silent treatment
Icing someone out is never the way to go.
Sure, the silent treatment may provide some (temporary) reprieve between discussions.
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