Unlocking One Another: 30 Days To Improving Your Relationship Communication

by Simeon Lindstrom

Have you ever noticed how often people say they wish they could “find” love? As if love were something beautiful to just stumble upon on the side of the road. Yet when you speak to happily married couples, especially those that have been married for decades, they never ascribe their success and happiness to luck. Instead, they’ll probably tell you that a good relationship takes work - lots of it - and the continued effort and maintenance from both sides. Love is a verb. It is not something only some people are fortunate enough to catch and then merely set aside. It’s not a prize you win or a box to tick on your life’s checklist. Instead, love has to be kindled and rebuilt every day; it has to be invited in, nurtured, cultivated. Love is not something passive that you simply have or don’t have - it’s an active process and the continual expression of what’s in your heart, mind and soul. In this book, love is not a noun. It isn’t some mysterious gift from the gods that falls into our laps, but something that we can work on and build with intention. So, in that spirit, this book will not be a dispassionate list of relationship advice, or theories about the way people work together, or tips to heat up your sex life. Instead, this book will ask you to become actively involved, to not just read but to constantly apply what has been read to your own life. You’ll be asked to be honest with yourself, get out there into the world and even make yourself vulnerable. Some of these exercises will be fun, others will scare and challenge you - but they are all designed to open your heart to more effective communication with others, so that the relationships you build are strong and compassionate. This book is written for anyone who feels that they are not living (and loving!) to their full potential. Whether you crave deeper connections with others or want to reignite relationships you are already in, this book was written to help you master the art of good communication.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction

65 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2014

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takeaway: Be deliberate in your communication style and eliminate barrier beliefs.

Quotes I enjoyed:

“What is a relationship other than a long string of small conversations?”

“How can you become a more conscious communicator? The answer is simple: pay attention.”

Tips:
1. Acknowledge the emotional content of what is said. Be compassionate
2. Communicate in the language your partner prefers
3. Identify your communication intent and end goal
4. Identify the other persons position
5. Clear your mind of assumptions and past experiences. Be respectful
6. Focus on solutions. The risk is rejection and hurt. Accept things gracefully and calmly.
7. Take responsibility and enforce your own meaningful boundaries


Conversation openers:
“There’s something I wanted to talk to you about I’m hoping will help us communicate better”
“I really would like to share my perspective with you. Maybe you can tell me your feelings first?”

[Kristan Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While it was nice to have it all in one place, I did not think that the information was all that great. I did not feel that the exercises were not that information or helpful. I don’t think there was enough variation in the types. Though if you are just starting out then I suppose this information is a good start.

[Sudea Romo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Concise and easy to read in one or two sittings

I enjoyed this book. I'm intentional about my marriage and am collecting authors that add value to processing good marriages. This one is short and sweet

[Rebecca Tolley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice. Great for those new to the subject of better communication, but a lot of what was shared I've read/heard before in other books about better communication. The lessons, though? Meh.

[Jessica Garland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

I was uncomfortable and moved at the same time...worthy of many awards, worth reading.I'm reading another one pic the authors books next..

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking book with actionable takeaways!

[Monica chandler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

Awesome book I recommend it highly to anyone who needs to work on communicating in their relationship. Lotta good ideas completely different way to address the situation love this book

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A valuable book, just not for this stage in my life. Feel this is more for marriage and how to bring the life and joy back into it.