Communication is often a point of contention and misunderstanding in relationships and social interactions because we all have unique ways of expressing our wants and needs.
Remember, there is more than one way to get a message across, so why do we limit ourselves to only accepting a few?
Some people prefer to receive the headlines of what another is saying and can ask for more info if required.
Some people prefer to explain their point of view with a complex level of detail and can become frustrated when others find that amount of detail difficult to process, causing the other person to shut down by becoming overwhelmed or avoiding the interaction.
Some people prefer to use noise ie. Grunting, animal noises.
Some people prefer to use body language to express their feelings and emotions or sign language.
Some people prefer to use text or email.
Some people prefer to use their expression of identity through clothes, accessories, tattoos etc.
Some people will use movement to express their needs or wants- eg. Stimulating behaviours (stimming), rocking, jiggling legs, biting nails, twirling hair, waving hands, and jumping.
Some people will talk in metaphors to describe their point of view or feelings.
Some people will use a direct and honest expression in their interaction, which others may find confronting.
Some people will use ‘cryptic’ communication, hoping that others will ‘read in-between the lines’.
All of the above, and many more, are valid forms of communication. The problem often lies in understanding forms of communication that are not your preference.
Trying to force your form of communication upon another is likely to cause disconnection, rupture, and avoidance in the relationship.
Instead, you may ask the other person to give you some clues about how you can adapt to meet their communication needs. You can explain that it is different to your preferred communication, so you may need some understanding as you learn to adapt in supporting your connection with them.