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Effective Communication and Relationships

Effective communication is a key pillar in any relationship, more so in romantic relationships. Effective communication refers to the ability of the individual conveying the message, to do so in a complete, concise, clear, concrete, considerate, courteous and correct manner. An ability to do so is particularly important when it comes to romantic relationships as it plays a key role in helping parties involved in the relationship to achieve their goals and objectives within the relationship. Effective communication, affects not just relationships, but also an individual’s eligibility to enter into a meaningful relationship. Effective communication therefore, positively influences the marriage market and the wheel of love.

When it comes to the marriage market, the first step towards making one’s eligibility known, is communication. In terms of effective communication, the individual must make their availability known, with the ability to make it clear in a courteous and complete manner, being very important. Communication plays a very important in how individuals present themselves, as well as how they are perceived. Communication affects the individual’s ability to sell themselves as a viable partner to other people, a factor that significantly affects the marriage market. Individuals who are interested in establishing lifelong unions are usually looking for particular attributes within those they consider eligible partners. In this regard, being able to communicate with clarity is quite important, as it will ensure that potential suitors, are made aware of the attributes, likes, hobbies, talents and other characteristics of these eligible individuals. It is therefore, plausible to argue that effective communication usually significantly affects one’s eligibility, or perceived eligibility, by affecting their ability to present themselves as serious suitors, or potential partners. The marriage market therefore, only favors those who are able to communicate effectively, hence sell their strengths while at the same time downplaying their weaknesses.

The wheel theory of love, argues that love develops in four stages: rapport, self revelation, mutual dependency and need fulfillment. At each stage of the theory, effective communication plays a very important role, more so within the first two stages. When establishing rapport, being able to communicate effectively is very important, as it helps to lift any reservations one may have over the other individual. In terms of rapport, effective communication also allows an individual to be able to identify well with their potential partner, by being able to clearly establish which if any interests they share, with the ability to be courteous playing a very important role in the process. When it comes to self revelation, being able to provide personal information, clearly, concisely, and in a considerate manner is key to the process, as the process essentially entails not just trusting one’s partner with sensitive information, but being considerate enough to know when exactly to release this information. In cases where a partner has shared information, the manner with which one reacts is very important, as it dictates whether the flow of information will continue to be two way process. These two stages set up the possibility of realizing the stage of mutual dependency, as the first two stages help build trust. Once trust has been established, being able to share ones needs is key to mutual dependence and the fulfillment of the needs raised. Key to this equation is effective communication, which allows both partners to share their needs, regardless of how hard that may be.