How communication struggles might show up in your relationship:
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Holding back your true feelings to avoid conflict
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Walking away from hard conversations instead of resolving them
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Speaking in anger when you feel unheard
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Misreading your partner’s words or intentions
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Feeling dismissed, so you shut down
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Talking too much when anxious, or going silent when upset
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Struggling to set boundaries or ask for what you need
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Old wounds from past relationships shaping how you speak and listen
Why this happens:
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Fear of rejection, judgment, or abandonment
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Patterns learned in childhood or previous relationships
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Low confidence making it hard to speak up
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Past hurts affecting trust
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Family or cultural norms that discourage openness
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Anxiety that causes overthinking
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Avoiding conflict to “keep the peace”
How can counselling help?
Counselling can help you understand and improve your communication style by exploring the patterns, beliefs, and emotions that influence how you express yourself and listen to others. Together, we can identify unhelpful habits—such as avoiding difficult conversations, misinterpreting intentions, or reacting defensively—and replace them with healthier, more open ways of connecting. By developing self-awareness, learning active listening skills, and finding the confidence to express your needs clearly, you can create deeper understanding and stronger, more fulfilling relationships.