<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>Better Relationships &#187; supportive communication</title>
	<atom:link href="https://www.better-relationships.com/tag/supportive-communication/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>https://www.better-relationships.com</link>
	<description>Marriage &#38; Couples Counseling, Psychotherapy, Premarital Counseling</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 Mar 2023 23:20:05 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<language>en-US</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.18</generator>
	<item>
		<title>Toxic Communication Patterns</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/toxic-communication-patterns/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/toxic-communication-patterns/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2017 02:40:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[ARGUMENTS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COMMUNICATION]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CONFLICT]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COUNSELING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[COUPLES THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MARRIAGE COUNSELING]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIP THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[THERAPY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[counseling]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dating]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dirty fighting in relationships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marriage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supportive communication]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=3793</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Dirty fighting can weaken and ultimately break a relationship in the same way that rust weakens a piece of metal. Dirty fighting breaks the bonds of intimacy and causes cracks in the foundation of the relationship. These cracks spread and just like rusty metal eventually breaks apart, at some point the relationship collapses. Both of you ultimately suffer. Here are some toxic communication patterns to avoid: Timing You try to catch your partner off guard. You look for a time when your partner is least able to respond or least expects an argument, for example you call them at work and start an argument. Escalation You quickly move from the main argument to questioning your partner’s personality and then move on to wondering if the relationship is worth it. Overwhelm Instead of sticking with the original issues you bring up as many issues as possible in great detail. You try to overwhelm the other person so that they can’t argue effectively. Exaggerate You draw the worst possible conclusions regarding the relationship. The issue gets blown out of proportion and you talk about catastrophes. Question You treat your partner like a child, making them feel like they are incapable of an adult relationship. “Why can’t you just love me like he loves her?” Complain When your partner complains, you respond with a complaint of your own instead of addressing the issues. “So what if I forgot to make the bed. What about all the times you haven’t helped me clean?” Over-Generalize Instead of focusing on the issue at hand, you use words like “never” and “always” and try to force your partner to defend themselves. “You never do anything in the relationship.” Blame You take the position of &#8216;victim&#8217;. You don’t admit to your part in the conflict and refuse to change. “It’s always your fault. If our relationship is going to improve you have to change – not me.” Mind Reading You become the expert on what your partner is thinking or feeling. “You’re not really angry.” This way you avoid talking about your partner’s anger or taking responsibility for [&#8230;]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>https://www.better-relationships.com/toxic-communication-patterns/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Building Supportive Relationships</title>
		<link>https://www.better-relationships.com/building-supportive-relationships-3/</link>
		<comments>https://www.better-relationships.com/building-supportive-relationships-3/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Oct 2016 23:03:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Jim Swaniger]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[MEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RELATIONSHIPS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WOMEN'S ISSUES]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[building friendships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[friendship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[supportive communication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[workplace relationships]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.better-relationships.com/?p=3209</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When we’re happy, supportive relationships seem to be everywhere. But when we’re hurting why does someone who we expect to be supportive avoid us instead? While there are many possibilities, one possible reason someone avoids us in this situation has to do with their unresolved issues. Basically, if our struggle reminds them of an unresolved issue in their life, they might be reluctant to help us since if they did they&#8217;d risk feeling their own pain. Also, not helping may be a conscious choice they make or it can be an automatic response that they have. Another reason they don&#8217;t respond could be that we assumed that a supportive relationship exists when it really doesn&#8217;t. If this happens to you and you’re certain of the supportive relationship, assume the other person’s response isn’t about you personally but instead assume it’s an overwhelming emotional reaction that they feel. Later, if you wished to, you could talk to them about your expectations of their support and ask why they stayed away. (However, they may not be able to explain what happened.) If it turns out that you made a wrong assumption about having a supportive relationship talk about this too and clarify the nature of the relationship. If the situation was reversed and you couldn’t emotionally support someone, let the person know that your response was not about them personally.  Sharing with them what happened to you could build a reliable supportive connection between you. Here are some ways to be supportive of others: Empathize. Try to imagine what it’s like for them and how they’re feeling. Saying something like “I’m really sorry that you’re going through this” shows them your care. Listen. Saying something like “Let me make sure I understand you. What you’re saying is…” shows that you’re listening. Then listen for their emotional needs and let them know how you can (realistically) help. If they aren&#8217;t communicating clearly with you, try to label their feelings for them. For example, saying something like “You must feel (hurt, lonely, angry, sad). How can I help you right now?” shows that you’re [&#8230;]]]></description>
		<wfw:commentRss>https://www.better-relationships.com/building-supportive-relationships-3/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>
