Healthy Communication

Communication in relationships may not always be easy, especially when there are added stressors in each other's lives. 

Seven Habits of Effective Communication

1. Keep the role of listener and speaker separate. Allow your voice to be heard and listen to your partner.
2. Self-reflect. Be aware of your emotions and needs.
3. Own your emotions. Don't blame others for the way you feel.
4. Be other-centered. Allow your partner time and space in communicating, without interrupting. 
5. Have self-restraint. Deliver messages in an effective, honest way. Do not unleash your emotions on others. 
6. Understand before acting. Listen to understand before providing solutions; paraphrase what your partner said for clarification.
7. Empathize, with boundaries. If your partner is having a panic attack, try to calm them down, without sending yourself into a panic attack.

Couples Counseling

Couples counselingLinks to an external site. is treatment by the same licensed professional for two people in a relationship dealing with problems that affect the relationship. It's focused on tackling relationship challenges like balancing responsibilities and future expectations. Some discussion topics include affairs/infidelity, financial challenges, major life adjustments, parenting conflicts, and healthy coping with emotions. Discuss what challenges you may be facing with your partner that you want to fix. There are different types of couples counseling and therapy. Benefits include security in your relationship, increase positive feelings towards each other, decreased stress, and provide tools to overcome future challenges. 

Domestic Violence: Know Your Rights

Domestic violence (DV) is "a pattern of behaviors used by one partner to maintain power and control over another partner in an intimate relationship". DV includes physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, and digital abuse, as well as stalking. Common signs of domestic violence tendencies in a partner can be found hereLinks to an external site.. 

If you feel that you are a victim of DV, create a safety planLinks to an external site.. The safety plan is a personalized plan to improve your safety while you are with your partner, preparing to leave the abusive situation, and how to protect yourself after you leave. Personalized plans can be created on your own through the website or with help from the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 

If you feel that your safety or life is in danger, you may apply for a restraining or protective order at your local police department. For info on legal resources, click hereLinks to an external site.. 

The National Domestic Violence HotlineLinks to an external site. can be reached 24/7/365 via call at 1-800-799-7233, text at 88788, or chat on their website.