Improve your relationships with effective communication skills

Poor communication skills, disagreements and misunderstandings can either be a source of anger and distance, or a springboard to a stronger relationship and happier future. Here’s how to improve relationships with effective communication skills:

1) Stay focused and try not to bring up past hurts or other topics;
2) Listen carefully because people often think they are listening, but are really thinking about what they’re going to say next when the other person stops talking;
3) Try to see their point of view and then you can better explain yours;
4) Respond to criticism with empathy because it’s important to listen for the other person’s pain and respond with empathy for their feelings.

http://stress.about.com/od/relationships/ht/healthycomm.htm