At Marriage Counselling Kent, we’ve seen time and time again that poor communication is at the heart of most relationship problems.
Couples often find themselves stuck in patterns of arguing, distance, and frustration. The harder they try to fix things, the worse it sometimes gets – until one or both partners begin to lose the will to keep the relationship going.
More problems in relationships are caused by what goes unsaid than what is said – as long as it’s said in the right way.
One of the most common reasons couples find themselves stuck in a cycle of arguing is a lack of honesty. And by honesty, we don’t mean lying – we mean not telling the full truth.
That might be avoiding how you really feel, not expressing what you truly need, or holding back when something your partner is doing is upsetting you.
Over time, this lack of openness can lead to resentment building on one or both sides – and that’s often when deeper problems begin.
People often avoid being fully honest with their partner out of fear – fear of conflict or of not being heard. As a result, problems get swept under the carpet, sometimes for years, by one or both partners.
Honesty is about taking responsibility for how you feel and being able to express that clearly. It’s about talking to your partner calmly and openly, without blame or anger.
We all listen better when we don’t feel criticised or under attack, and that’s why how you express the truth is just as important as what you say.
Our couples counsellors will help you find a more effective way to communicate with each other. Together, you’ll explore what’s not working – from your perspective. Most importantly, you’ll both have the chance to speak openly and feel heard. Effective communication is a key ingredient in any healthy relationship.
If you’re experiencing relationship problems, it might be time to pull up the carpet and bring everything into the open. With support, your relationship can begin to move forward in a much more positive way, built on mutual understanding.
If you’d like some professional help, get in touch with us at Marriage Counselling Kent.
