Interpersonal Communication and Relationships

Interpersonal Communication and Relationships

Lisa Priebe

COM200: Interpersonal Communication

Instructor Kenneth Newton

July 1, 2013

Dear Tracey and Lisa,

This letter is in reference to your interest on information regarding interpersonal communication in your relationship. As you know my significant other and I have attended classes that have helped us strengthen our communication skills and our relationship. We believe we can give you some sound advice based on our own personal experience since we have six years behind us. Being a newly engaged couple and preparing for conflicts that may arise before marriage lets us know you are both serious in wanting a lifelong partnership. This also makes it apparent that you are both committed to keeping your relationship alive, well and most importantly healthy. The best advice I can give you is to keep your communication constant. In this letter I will give you some advice on the concepts of good interpersonal communication. I will explain what we have been learning in our classes and also what we consider evidence to the effects of our learning.

The most basic and important skill to guarantee proper communication is listening. Listening to each other is a must in any type of relationship it shows that you both respect one another and care about what the other is saying. There are three important types of listening and they are: active, critical and empathetic (Pausel, 2004). The first skill that we will discuss in this category is active listening. Active listening is assertive communication that develops a deep sense of trust. I have found in my personal relationship letting your mate know that you are listening allows them to feel important and build trust within your relationship. Active listening will allow you to build trust because of the openness that it builds. Openness within active listening makes your spouse feel a connection which leads to building trust among the two of...