Try this if the way you communicate with your partner is not working

Do you find that the communication between you and your partner or family is not working? Do you or your partner feel misunderstood?

If you really want to improve your communication and build stronger relationships, either at work or in your personal life, I suggest you try Reflective Listening.

It is about truly paying attention to the other person speaking, making sure you understand not just their words and perspective, but their emotions too.

Start by giving them your full attention—turn off distractions (like your phone or TV), maintain eye contact, and use open body language to show you are engaged in the conversation. Listen closely to both what they say and how they say it—their tone, facial expressions, and body language can tell you a lot.

Do not interrupt the other person and let them speak fully. Often we listen to respond. So let the other person finish speaking.

Then, when you respond, repeat or paraphrase what they said in your own words. This shows that you have been listening and it gives them a chance to clarify if needed. You can say things like, “So what I’m hearing is…” or “It sounds like you’re feeling…”

If anything is unclear, ask open-ended questions to better understand, like “Can you tell me more about that?” Avoid judging or making assumptions. Even if you don’t agree, respect their perspective and show empathy with responses like, “I can understand why you’d feel that way.”

Also, acknowledge their emotions and reflect them back. Say things like, “It seems like you’re really stressed about this” or “You sound excited about that opportunity.”

Doing all of this helps the other person feel heard and understood, which can lead to better trust, break down emotional barriers, have fewer misunderstandings, and stronger, more positive connections. It’s a powerful skill, and with a bit of practice and understanding, it also makes a big difference in how people will respond to you.