* Communicating well is a vital part of any relationship
* These books will help you discover areas you might need to work on
* They offer practical advice in terms that are easy to understand
It’s advice that’s been offered time and time again by relationship experts, relationship therapists and wise mothers: communication is truly key. Communicating better with your partner (and anyone in your life) can not only strengthen trust by bringing you closer together, but it also helps you to get the most out of your relationship and not settle for unhappiness. These books outline important first steps you should take to not only be better heard, but also become a better listener yourself.
While certain tokens of advice, like being more honest and direct in expressing your thoughts and feelings without a veil, might seem straightforward and obvious, others tips outlined may come as a surprise, such as never discussing important topics over text.
Disagreements might be part of any normal relationship, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship if you’re struggling with communication. Explore the list below and embark on your first steps towards a happier, healthier relationship.
1. Getting The Love You Want: A Guide For Couples: Third Edition
While you may have a clear idea in your mind on what you want or expect from a relationship, it can sometimes be hard to communicate this to your significant other. This New York Times bestseller by Dr. Harville Hendrix and Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt goes back to the source, analyzing what makes us choose our mates, and how that sets the tone for the remainder of your relationship. It provides advice on how to really listen – and hear – your partner, and be not just their lover, but their friend.
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2. Communication Miracles For Couples: Easy and Effective Tools to Create More Love and Less Conflict
This book from psychotherapist Jonathan Robinson recognizes and embraces that old adage of the importance of communication, and provides helpful, straightforward advice on how to enhance your communication methods of communication as a couple. It’s advice that’s grounded in reality, and will help you avoid every discussion from turning into an argument.
3. I Hear You: The Surprisingly Simple Skill Behind Extraordinary Relationships
Winner of both the 2018 IPA Book Award and Reader’s Favorite Award, Michael Sorenson writes a conversational, accessible read that focuses on one of the most important – but rarely discussed – communication skills: validation. A quick read of roughly three hours, it addresses the concerns, fears, and uncertainties of others, and offers you practical methods of addressing them.
4. When Sorry Isn’t Enough: Making Things Right with Those You Love
We all mistakes, and admitting to them is the first step to making them right. But while “sorry” may be the hardest part, it’s not the only part. #1 New York Times bestselling author Gary Chapman, along with Jennifer Thomas, write advice on how to use an apology as a starting point to a larger conversation on honesty, trust and happiness.
5. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, 3rd Edition
This intensive look into non-violent communication focuses on the four pillars of it: consciousness, language, means of influence and communication. This book encourages you to take a hard look at the way you communicate with others – and yourself – and re-evaluate how to forge better connections.
6. The Relationship Communication Cure: Communication Mistakes Almost Every Couple Makes And How To Fix Them
Given that the divorce rate has surpassed 50%, there are many people entering into relationships after growing up in a household where their parents have separated. This insightful read by Joshua Larson traces your emotional journey back to childhood, and examines how the type of household you were raised in may have effected the way you communicate with your current partner.