The Key Ingredient to a Good Communication: Good Ol’ Patience

 

Hey there! Megan O’Neill here, your go-to gal for all things love and communication. You know, diving into a new relationship can feel a bit like stirring a pot of your favourite stew. It’s exciting, a bit unpredictable, and definitely requires a dash of patience—especially when it comes to talking things out.

A Tale of Two Communicators

Let me tell you a story. Back in the day when my husband and I were just starting out, our communication was as clunky as a mismatched dance routine. Imagine this: I grew up in a family where we tossed our feelings around like a hot potato—always quick, always intense. My hubby? Not so much. He’d take forever to respond to anything I said, and not just because he loved to drive me a little crazy (though I suspect that was a bonus for him).

This difference in our communication styles could have been a showstopper for us. I mean, there I was, ready to talk through every problems on the spot, and there he was, needing a mini hibernation to process the same things. It took me a while to realize that he wasn’t ignoring me; he just needed a bit longer to percolate his thoughts before pouring them out.

Emotional Smarts: We’re Not All Born With ‘Em

I was lucky to grow up in a family that could give a masterclass in emotional intelligence. My mum like the Jedi of feelings. My husband, on the other hand, was more like a feelings newbiea. Not everyone gets a head start in navigating the emotional cosmos, right?

In new relationships, it’s like you’re both coming with your own emotional toolkits—sometimes fully equipped, sometimes a bit bare. Giving your partner the time to get their tools sorted is not just nice; it’s necessary. It’s about letting them find their way to express themselves on their own terms, which, trust me, makes all the difference.

Why Patience Really Is a Virtue

Think of patience not just as waiting, but as an investment in your relationship’s future. It’s like planting a garden. You don’t just toss the seeds and tap your foot impatiently for tomatoes to pop up. You water them, give them sun, and let them do their thing. Same goes for conversations with your partner. Sometimes, you gotta let things simmer.

Back when my hubby and I were learning this dance, every time he took his sweet time to respond, and I managed not to rush him, the quality of our talks improved tenfold. We didn’t just talk; we really communicated. And let me tell you, the wait was worth it—like waiting for that first sip of coffee in the morning. Good till the last drop.

Laying Down the Bricks for the Long Haul

Here’s the scoop: if you’re in a new relationship, practicing patience sets the stage for the good stuff—trust, intimacy, and all that jazz. It’s about creating a safe space where both of you can be your true selves, weird quirks and all.

And guess what? It turns out that this approach doesn’t just smooth out the bumps; it builds a whole road. A road that leads to understanding each other’s needs and, ultimately, to a relationship that’s as satisfying as your grandma’s apple pie.

Wrapping It Up with a Bow

So, from this old married lady to you, whether you’re just starting out or you’re knee-deep in the relationship trenches, remember: a little patience goes a long way. It’s the secret sauce, the magic ingredient, the cherry on top of your love sundae. Give it a try, and watch your relationship blossom into something truly special. Alright, signing off now. Go out there and make me proud!

Looking for more support? My mission is I want to help women to fully accept who they are in all ways. We all have developed habits and beliefs about how we ‘do’ relationships. Some are wonderful ways to approach relationships and some are limiting. My work with clients helps free them from relationship blocks and embrace their own unique way to connect in an easy relationships. To learn more, visit www.meganoneill.ca or download my free resource www.meganoneill.ca/freebie