How Ignoring Communication Issues Can Harm a Couple

Communication is the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Most people understand its importance, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they prioritize it. Some people even choose to ignore communication issues within their relationship. 

While you might be able to sweep those issues under the rug for a while, it’s not a sustainable practice. 

If you’re dealing with communication issues in your relationship and trying to ignore them, you could end up doing more harm than good. Let’s dig a little deeper into the problems you could be causing, and what you can do to fix those underlying problems. 

Mental Health Issues

A lack of healthy communication in your relationship can lead to a variety of mental health concerns. First, you and your partner might start to assume the worst about yourselves, each other, and your relationship as a whole. These assumptions, misconceptions, and misunderstandings can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. 

When you fall victim to mental health issues — especially depression — your relationship can start to feel hopeless. You might think that things will never get better, or that your partnership is doomed to fail. 

Anxiety, on the other hand, can make you hypervigilant in your relationship. You might start changing who you are in an attempt to “hang on” to your partner. These behaviors aren’t healthy for anyone, and they’ll end up harming your relationship even more. 

Lack of Growth

Maybe you try to ignore communication issues because you’ve been with your partner for a long time and assume you should just stick to the status quo. 

But, relationships aren’t meant to be static. 

People grow and change over time, and your relationship should do the same. If you’re ignoring communication issues or aren’t talking to each other about your needs and wants, your relationship is going to become stagnant. There will be no opportunity for growth, and you might grow to resent each other. 

Isolation

Some people try to ignore communication issues because they don’t want to rock the boat. Maybe you don’t like confrontation. Maybe you’re not sure exactly how to bring up certain issues. 

Unfortunately, by trying to avoid conflict, you’re likely going to end up making yourself and your partner feel more isolated and lonely. 

Even the healthiest, happiest couples argue and have disagreements. We’re not always supposed to think the exact same way. Conflicts can be healthy when you choose to approach them with respect. Arguing can strengthen your bond and make you feel closer, while ignoring issues can make you both feel like you’re in separate corners of the ring. 

When you ignore communication issues, it becomes difficult to remember that you and your partner are on the same team. So, even though you’re technically in a relationship, you’re likely to start doing more things on your own. 

Types of Communication Issues

Communication issues go deeper than just not expressing yourself fully. One of you could be passive-aggressive. Someone might constantly use generalized statements or play the blame game. Ignoring these issues will only make matters worse. You’ll start to feel bad about yourself, and wonder if there’s any way to change things, and it might even start to be the downfall of your relationship. 

Of course, addressing communication issues when you’ve been ignoring them for a long time is easier said than done. Don’t assume you have to tackle it on your own. 

Counseling is a great way to get to the bottom of those issues and learn where they stem from. Once they’re out in the open in a safe, neutral setting, you can work together as a couple with your counselor to put healthy, effective communication strategies in place. You might be surprised by how quickly things change, and how much stronger your relationship feels. 

If you’re ready to stop sweeping your communication issues under the rug, contact me today to set up an appointment for couples counseling.