We’ve all heard that open communication is the key to a good relationship. But, do we really know what that means? What’s the difference between open communication and simply talking to our mate about our day to day lives? Here are some keys to using communication to make your relationship work.

• Don’t assume that your partner knows how you feel – This is one of men’s pet peeves about women – we don’t tell them what we want. When we assume that our partner can read our thoughts or feelings, we set ourselves up to be disappointed when they don’t respond the way we would like. Tell your partner how you feel, and even be willing to tell them how you need them to respond when necessary.
• Be a good listener – When your partner talks to you, really listen to what they’re saying. If you are immediately defensive or dismissive with your partner when they try to address an issue, they will begin to believe that you don’t value their feelings and that talking to you is fruitless.
• Don’t bottle things up inside- Address issues when they arise. I know this is easier said than done. Fear of the reaction we might get when we bring up something unpleasant is the biggest reason we avoid it. But, when we hold things in, we create tension and frustration, which makes us more likely to get angry when we finally do discuss the situation with our partner. Talking about issues when they come up helps us to keep the issues in perspective and avoid tension and frustration.

Conversation Topics Communication, Conversation Topics, Flirting, Relationships

Sure, the elections in the U.S. are over, but that doesn’t mean some people have turned off all political thought. In a world where liberal thinkers and conservative thinkers co-exist, there will most certainly come a time when you’re on a date with someone who is the complete opposite of you in terms of political opinion.

So, what happens then?

For some couples, they have successfully managed polar opposite political thoughts, enjoying the opportunity to be with someone who shows them the other side of the debate.

For others – if you’re not what they are, you might want to leave. NOW.

This is why it’s generally sage advice to avoid the political discussion until later in the relationship. You’re not avoiding the topic, but merely putting it on the backburner in order to focus on getting to know the person before knowing their ideals.

(And in truth, most people’s political colors will shine through, even if they aren’t mentioned.)

Of course, this does beg the question: do you dump someone just because they don’t agree with you? Seems a little silly when you put it that way, for certain, but just as with religion and babies, some ideals are deal breakers in relationships.

And if politics is one, you need to be upfront from the start. That way, you can both cast your ballots the way you want and you both find someone to love who believes in you as much as they believe in their opinions.

Conversation Topics Compatibility, Debate, Dump, Opposites, Politics, Religion

Thanksgiving is here already, reminding us to cherish the things we have in our lives as well as the people we have in our lives. It’s a time to gather with family and friends, eat, and simply be merry.

So, where does that leave your new relationship?

Typically, this is the point of the year where couples bring home their significant others to meet the folks. And as a result, it’s a tense time of year, filled with arguing, discomfort, and often post-turkey breakups.

To avoid this kind of mood killer for your holiday, you have a few options.

• Go for it – That’s right, take your new online date to the table for turkey dinner. After all, you have a great story about how you met, assuming the dating site isn’t anything too risque.
• Go for part of it – If your family can handle it, take your date over for just a dessert plate. This way, your date will be able to meet everyone, without it being a full dinner situation.
• Go separately – If the relationship is still a little new, simply go your separate ways on this special day and commit to seeing and meeting the families at the next major holiday. No pressure, no tension – just more time to see if this person is truly someone you want to bring home.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Conversation Topics, Family Family, Food, Friends, Holidays, Relationships