It’s Time for a Change: Moving Past Negative Communication Habits
By: Sharea Farmer, LCSW
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It’s Time for a Change: Moving Past Negative Communication Habits
Hey, have you ever caught yourself falling into the same old communication patterns that don't exactly work out so well? Like, you know, yelling, shutting down, or passive-aggressiveness? Yeah, I know I have. It's easy to get stuck in these habits, especially when they're just what we learned growing up or in past relationships.
I recently listened to a podcast that really resonated with me on this topic. The speaker told a story about a woman who had been screaming at her husband for over a decade, trying to get him to change his ways, but it never worked. And yet, she just kept on doing it, even though it clearly wasn't effective. That really hit home for me because I see so many clients doing the same thing.
So, why do we stick with these old patterns, even when they're not doing us any favors? Maybe it's because they're just what we know or because they're what we're used to. But the thing is, they're not good for our mental health or our relationships. And it's time to make a change.
Realize that anger can't just become your go-to reaction when things get tough or someone disagrees with you. The truth is, it is not getting you the results you want. So, try to think about what new habits you want to replace those old ones with. Instead of getting angry, try to stay calm and figure out how to communicate your needs in a way that works for everyone.
Of course, making these changes won't be easy. It will take some effort and intention to break free from these old habits. But I think it's worth it. Not only could it improve your relationships, but it could also model some positive ways of communicating with younger generations.
So, that's my take. What's your take? Have you ever struggled with communication habits that don't work in your favor? What are you doing to try to change them?