Let's Talk Communication (Page 8)

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Updated:

Ever wondered why some couples just click so well? It’s most likely because they have such great communication. Just ask our experts. Learning to communicate your thoughts and concerns in the right way can do wonders for any relationship.

As it happens, our writers help educate readers to do just that. Below, you’ll learn to foster healthy communication and strengthen relationships through mutual understanding.

It’s time to mend the disconnect. By applying our advice, couples can better listen, respond, and resolve conflict. Whether you need active listening techniques or emotional regulation strategies, you’ll find the insights to help you build communication rooted in honesty and respect.

Here you can discover ways to overcome everything from misunderstandings to more sensitive subjects like sexual challenges. Our writers also explore communication in the digital world, giving readers insight into the best ways to strike up conversations online.

321 Results

What Our Experts Say:

211.
Why Your Girlfriend Doesn’t Want to Meet Your Friends
Brett Harding

Brett Harding

The world is full of naturally shy people. Sometimes it’s our job to cater to their needs and aid them in boosting their confidence, especially if you happen to be dating a shy person. It’s not uncommon for those without confidence to dislike meeting new people, and if these new people happen to be your best buddies who you hang out with all the time, your partner is going to feel even more intimidated. However,...

Read More »
212.
Age Affects How Couples Handle Conflict
C. Price

C. Price

How couples argue as they grow older together is at the heart of a new study in the Journal of Marriage and Family this month. The 13-year research explored communication methods in middle-aged and older married partners. The results show over time couples "increase their tendency to demonstrate avoidance during conflict" often by changing the subject. Surveying 127 heterosexual couples beginning in 1999,...

Read More »
213.
How to Talk to Women
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

Communication is the foundation to all of our relationships. It is key to establishing a connection with someone new and getting to know your date. Communication exists beyond what we say and the words we chose to convey our thoughts and emotions. Communication goes much deeper than verbal language, as our actions and behaviors show others who we are. Your nonverbal communication (body language, eye contact,...

Read More »
214.
When Group Sex Sucks
Katie B.

Katie B.

Sometimes group sex experiences are amazing and mind-blowing and way more fun than watching "Batman." But sometimes they are boring, uncomfortable or stressful. I’m going to shed some light on some of my experiences. (Make sure to look at some of my awesome threesome experiences, too!) Most of my negative experiences with group sex have resulted from feeling uncomfortable with something or being left out or...

Read More »
215.
He Moved Back to the Country. How Do We Transition from Long Distance?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: One of my friends moved to Hungary about nine months ago. We started talking a lot and accidentally moved past the friend zone. We both apparently had crushes on each other and didn't know it. He just moved back to the country and spent his first two days he was free with me and even spent the night. I've been really anxious and self-conscious since then. I understand he's busy, but I almost...

Read More »
216.
I Want a Second Chance. What Should I Do?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I've been dating this girl for two months and everything was going great until this weekend. I got way too drunk and started acting over dramatic. I told her she should start paying for things once in a while. I told her maybe we should go our separate ways so no one gets hurt. I called her that night and apologized and she forgave me. It's been a few days now and I haven't heard from her. I...

Read More »
217.
I’m the Only One Communicating. Where Do I Go From Here?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I met this guy at the laundry mat. We texted every day for a month. We met up a couple times within that month. Yes, we did have sex. Then the texting became less and less. What he has told me was he’s been really busy and kind of down. We both agreed to have a "friends with benefits" thing, but I’m not sure how you go from communicating every day to nonexistent. I like him and would like...

Read More »
218.
41% of Americans Have Lied to Get Out of Sex
C. Price

C. Price

This is an exclusive study conducted by DatingAdvice.com, which surveyed respondents over the course of three weeks to reflect an accurate representation of the U.S. population. “I have a headache.” “I’m tired.” “I have to get up early.” These are some common lies someone may tell when they just aren’t in the mood to do the deed. And research shows a considerable portion of Americans may actually be using...

Read More »
219.
Watch Out for This Lesbian Dating Trap
Mary Gorham Malia

Mary Gorham Malia

You’ve been out a few times now with a charming lesbian. She really struck a chord with you when you first started to date, but now after a few dates, a dozen or more dates or several months of dates, you’ve realized you’re just not that into her. The trouble is she’s really into you and can’t get enough. This is where lesbian dating can get hard. Some of you just can’t take the step to say it’s not...

Read More »
220.
I’m Shy and Kinky. What Should I Do to Arouse My Partner?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I am currently in a relationship with a man for the first time. I am kind of shy and kinky at the same time. What should I do to arouse my partner? -Jamie (Louisiana) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Dear Jamie, Ask him. If you can't talk about sex, you can't have it. No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by...

Read More »
221.
She Freaked When I Texted Another Woman. What Should I Do?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I met this wonderful woman. We fell in love and things were wonderful. Eventually she and her son moved in with me and my son. I texted another woman who was just a platonic friend. When she saw I texted another woman, she freaked out. She stayed in my back bedroom for an entire week and refused to let me talk to her. She then dropped the “Let’s just be friends” bomb on me. She still lives...

Read More »
222.
How to Tell Your Children You’re Lesbian
Mary Gorham Malia

Mary Gorham Malia

As more and more lesbian women live and love openly, more studies are being done to determine what, if any, affect being raised by a lesbian mother or lesbian couple has on children. The good news is there appears to be only good news. Datingadvice.com reported on a study done on children of lesbians who were conceived through sperm donation. Not only do these boy and girls do well in school, they also do well...

Read More »
223.
Unhappy Couples More Likely to Focus on Unhappiness During Arguments
C. Price

C. Price

When you're arguing with your partner, do you focus on the topic at hand? Or do you tend to bring up issues from the past? Research finds people unhappy in their relationship tend to ruminate on that unhappiness during arguments with their partner. Happier couples often have more coordinated thoughts related to the conflict at hand. According to a study published online in the National Communication Association’s...

Read More »
224.
“He Hasn’t Called in Two Weeks!” How to Stop Waiting by the Phone
Guy Blews

Guy Blews

Why hasn't he called? In all honesty, I am saddened I have to even address this question because it is about respect — the respect he has for you and the respect you should have for yourself. Want to find a date who won't leave you hanging? Our experts' #1 choice is Match, which has a free 3-day trial for new users. If you are waiting around for two weeks for a single guy to contact you, then you need to work...

Read More »
225.
Susie & Otto Collins

Susie & Otto Collins

Even though it destroys trust, we all lie sometimes. Lies range from “little white lies” to “big whoppers.” The reason people lie varies, too. We lie to avoid conflict, to save face, to pretend to be something we’re not and to hide actions we’re ashamed of or that have broken an agreement. When your partner lies, it’s not always because he’s cheating. After catching him in a lie, take the time to get clear first. Get...

Read More »
226.
She Acted Like a Stranger After the First Date. What Should I Do?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I’m in my 50s and have not dated for a while. I recently met someone. We seemed to have a good time. One problem is I was rather anxious at times. My social skills have declined, but she sensed it and understood. When I dropped her off at her home, she told me she liked being with me. When she left, she hugged me. About three days later, I asked (by text) about getting some dinner. She text...

Read More »
227.
He Doesn’t Want FWB But Still Wants to Talk. Why Does He Send Mixed Signals?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I met this guy a couple weeks ago and we immediately hit it off. He's 20 and I am 18. We agreed we would stay as friends with benefits because I will be leaving in two months for a while. For some reason, he keeps revisiting the idea of just being friends, saying he likes me but it makes him put a wall up. I told him it would be fine if we just stopped talking so he wouldn’t get any further...

Read More »
228.
She Refuses to Talk on the Phone. Do You Have Any Suggestions?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I've been interested in someone for a long time. However, she's caught in this modern era of never/refusing to talk on the telephone and will only email or text despite my repeated requests to have voice conversations. This woman is 50, not 18, yet still remains this way. I'm not a phone person either, but when it comes to personal relationships, I still believe in having real communication...

Read More »
229.
The Secrets to Having a Good Threesome
Katie B.

Katie B.

Something everyone wants to know about is sex with more than two people, also known as threesomes and moresomes. If you are part of a couple and are interested in adding a third (or fourth or more) for some sexual hotness, make sure you are communicating with your partner about your desires and interests. For a broader discussion about opening up your relationship, see my other related article on that topic. You...

Read More »
230.
His Ex Won’t Stop Texting Him. Does He Love Me?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I started dating one of my close friends. Everything was all right until we started to argue more. He said he needed time to think about things but wouldn’t specify what "things" he needed to think about. After being split up for a week, I decided I would give us another chance. Well come to find out he had gotten back together with his ex-girlfriend the day after we broke up. I told him if he...

Read More »
231.
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

The terms gender role, gender identity and sexual orientation may seem like interchangeable terms, but the truth is they all mean something very different. And they all mean something very valuable to your relationship. Gender role. A gender role is defined by the activities that are traditionally associated with each gender. As you’ve probably noticed, gender roles aren’t static. They are constantly changing...

Read More »
232.
Your Marriage Expectations Are Too High If…
Dr. Karen Ruskin

Dr. Karen Ruskin

It is quite common for married people in my counseling office to express that they're disappointed in marriage. They say marriage is not what they expected it to be. They have fantasies of a 50/50 household where the husband and wife share responsibilities, visions of a fulfilled and passionate sex life, thoughts of a best bud to share one’s daily aggravations and joys with and financial stability. Only they...

Read More »
233.
This Long-Distance Relationship Isn’t Working. What Do I Do?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: My problem is I am in a long-distance relationship. It’s been fight after fight. He has become indifferent. We have overcome a lot, but I am getting tired. I have communicated this. He hangs up on me and doesn't respond to messages. I know I have a bad attitude, but I feel I am trying to speak up and solve things in a healthy manner. I feel if I don’t make an effort, this isn’t going to work....

Read More »
234.
Guy Blews

Guy Blews

In my previous post, I told you what a guy means when he says he needs space. I also told you to step back and be objective about your relationship. By this, I mean you should step back from your relationship and view it from an outsider’s perspective. What would you say to a friend in your position with your knowledge of the situation? He says he needs space. This is not a good thing. But it's also not the...

Read More »
235.
Lyndra Hearn Antonson

Lyndra Hearn Antonson

"Everyone you meet comes with baggage. Find someone who loves you enough to help you unpack." This was posted on Facebook. I’d love to give credit to the author because they nailed it. We all come in complex packages. These include our fears, negative and limiting beliefs, buttons that get pushed, unrealistic expectations. Our unique packages also come with challenges like chronic physical and emotional...

Read More »
236.
Mixed Signals with an Online Match
Christine Hart

Christine Hart

I met this guy about three weeks ago online, and we’ve been out a few times for drinks and shared some kisses. I’d like to see him more, but I always see he’s logged into his online account. Seriously, every single time I’m on there he shows up. This makes me think he’s talking to a lot of other girls, and I want someone who is only interested in me. Not looking for players! How do I communicate to him I’m looking...

Read More »
237.
How Do I Talk to My Partner If I Want to Open Up Our Relationship?
Katie B.

Katie B.

First, you need to make sure you know why you want an open relationship. Is it because you want sexual variety? You have a fetish or kink your partner isn’t interested in pursuing with you? You would rather not choose between people you love? What kind of open relationship structure do you desire? Do you want partnered nonmonogamy, swinging, polyamory? This will help you describe to your partner how you envision...

Read More »
238.
He Doesn’t Say “I Love You,” But He Shows It
Jonathon Aslay

Jonathon Aslay

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Actions speak louder than words.” For a lot of guys, that rings true for them. That's how they say, "I love you." They say it through their actions. They say it when they kiss you good night. They say it with a soulful hug when you feel like your world is coming apart. They say it when they listen to you with no interruptions, and they say it when they give up the need to be...

Read More »
239.
Should I Get Back with My Ex?
Brian Rzepczynski

Brian Rzepczynski

An age-old question in the dating world: Should I get back with my ex? The decision to reconcile with an ex-boyfriend is one that requires much forethought. A breakup with him occurred previously for a reason and you want to avoid re-enacting old patterns and dynamics by jumping back in too quickly or when the decision is emotionally-driven. This is something that involves a lot of individual reflection, as well...

Read More »
240.
We Don’t Get A Lot of Alone Time. Is It Wrong to Want More?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I've been dating this guy since last June. We see each other twice a week for a few hours and text each other daily. We are both divorced and have kids, so we usually only get one "alone time" date. I've only been divorced for a year and a half. He's been divorced for eight years. Is it wrong of me to want more, or am I being selfish? -Robyn (New York) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Dear...

Read More »
Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

Share the Knowledge!

Our dating experts work hard to show you the best dating sites. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page!