When it comes to relationships there are few things more important than the way you communicate with your partner. Communication really is the basis of most relationships. Consider early relationships. Think about all the time that is spent with phone conversations, emails, and text messages. We simply have to communicate in order to get to know someone. And ideally we can talk openly and honestly with our partner.

As simple as this sounds many couples cannot have real conversations. This difficulty is usually not present early on in the relationship. In fact, most couples start out their relationships by having long and meaningful conversations. But as time goes on the partners often seem to lose touch with really talking with their partners. Part of this stems from the fact that many couples find they are like ships passing in the dark.

Another communication problem that can result in real troubles for the couple is that of one partner not listening to what the other one says. Too many times it seems that one partner will hear the other one talking but little effort is given to listen to what is being said. When this happens the partner feels ignored, neglected, and that the partner does not care about what he is saying. It’s as if his thoughts are unimportant.

Other circumstances can be even more drastically damaging to the relationship and it can happen much faster. When one or both partners are evasive or dishonest there is little chance for true communication. Avoiding telling your partner the truth, or the whole truth can result in a complete disrespect for the sanctity of the relationship. That alone can cause enough hurt that some people are not able to forgive or trust again. When that happens the relationship is all but over.