In "Close Relationships Sometimes Mask Poor Communication," the article suggests "spouses sometimes communicate with each other no better than strangers do" (Close Relationships, 2011, para.2). People may know more about each other, but this is not the case. This kind of thought process refers to the "closeness-communication bias" (Close Relationships, 2011, para.3). To further investigate how well couples knew each other; a research study exercise was completed. Couples had to participate by saying phrases without the ability to see each other while still being able to hear each other. The results surprisingly showed no difference between knowing someone against a stranger. According to one author, some couples are on the right path. It is also not unusual for a couple to get side tracked and absent-minded. Lastly another author states; "we have an illusion of insight" (Close Relationships, 2011, para.8). With this in mind, one can easily take the other for granted and assume incorrectly. In reflecting back to a time, I had a miscommunication with my spouse. I recall this day as it was yesterday. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer on a cold rainy day. I remember having a discussion over the phone that I had some bad news. All he said was: "you 're always thinking the worst" and that I was just overreacting. When I got home; I got upset because I wanted him to come up to me to have a heart to heart discussion, but he pretty much ignored me instead. To be honest, I was devastated at the news I had received, and all I wanted was for him to …show more content…
According to Johnson, "Not all relationships are going to be perfect all the time" (Johnson, 2011, para.14). There are numerous ways to be productive in a healthy communication. One can make sure always to be open-minded and know when to seek help if it is something that cannot be handled by talking to two people. In looking back to my misunderstanding; I could have been more careful. Especially in assuming he would understand what I was going through. If there is something serious in our lives; we don 't do it over the phone we talk about face to face.
In conclusion, this paper talked about misunderstanding and taking each other for granted. We discussed how studies showed us how someone close to us was no different than a stranger. How one thinks they know the other. Plus we aren 't courteous of each other. Not to mention how busy we can get not realizing how it doesn 't help the relationship and cause significant misapprehensions. Lastly, it is best to practice healthy relationship habits while trying to help each other. Regardless if it is someone we know, or someone is close to