How to Communicate Better with Anyone

Your Spouse

McCraw suggests talking with your spouse about the day’s events and sharing any situations that are stressing you out. “Being solution-oriented keeps the energy between the two of you positive and encourages more sharing and more listening, which is the foundation for building a more intimate relationship,” she says.

Your Coworker

Instead of complaining about your office mates or offering unsolicited advice, show them your appreciation, says McCraw. Try something like, “Jane, it’s easy to cover for you when you are out of the office because you are always so organized.”

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Your Boss

McCraw stresses the importance of knowing what you want from these interactions. “Communication is much more successful when we are clear about what we want. Clarity about what you desire [and a] strong belief that you can have [it] creates intention. Intentions are a powerful way to align your energies and to build confidence in yourself as well as build confidence [in you] from others.”

Your Subordinate

If you’re the boss, speak carefully, McCraw advises. “Your words and the tone of your voice carry a vibration,” she says. “When we are thoughtful, we are aligned with well-being. On the other hand, when we are hurried or feeling stressed, the tone of our voice may be brash.”

Your Best Friend

The best way to enhance communication with your BFF is to take responsibility. “No one but you can make you feel good or bad. Only you are responsible for how you feel,” McCraw says. “When you say, ‘You make me feel [in such a way],’ you are projecting a consciousness of powerlessness. When you say, ‘I feel this way when you do this or that,’ you are taking charge.”

Your Parents

No matter how old we get, our parents still have that ability to make us feel like kids. McCraw suggests trying this: “Let yourself be inspired to attract feel-good exchanges rather than using your desire to feel good to attempt to control someone else. ‘Guilt trips’ are a common means of exploitation.”

Your In-Laws

This relationship is known for its trickiness. McCraw advises trying to “say ‘yes’ to what you desire rather than ‘no’ to what you do not want.” For example, she says, “When you say 'yes' to people who treat you respectfully, you attract respect into your experience.”

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