Healthy communication between couples is the hallmark of any good relationship.

Good listening skills go a long way to bringing couples closer together.

Honest words cultivate trust and respect.

Sympathy and kindness promote togetherness.

Good communication skills require effort and commitment.

But it's worth it when you lay the foundation for a healthy and happy relationship.

How can you take time out of your often busy schedule to develop good communication skills?

Communication exercises for couples can bring you closer together and create intimacy.

Let's look at some communication exercises for couples.

5 Communication Exercises for Couples: Mirroring

One of the communication exercises for couples is something called mirroring.

Good communication means careful, attentive acknowledgment of what your partner said.

It's easy to fall into the habit of barely acknowledging your partner, or brushing off their words altogether.

When your partner tells you about their day, or shares how they feel, often we respond with a simple, "uh huh" or "that's nice" or simply a silent shrug.

Everyone wants to be acknowledged and heard, especially by their partner.

Mirroring is one of the best communication exercises for couples.

Mirroring is when you listen carefully to your partner, and then repeat back to them what they said.

Not word for word, of course.

But the general idea.

Try this mirroring exercise sometime…

Your partner tells you how they feel about something.

You listen and then repeat it back, or mirror it back to them.

You ask, "Did I understand what you said?" or "Did I hear everything you said to me?"

Give them a chance to gently correct you or add something you may have missed.

Be patient and understanding.

Repeat it back to them again if necessary, until they acknowledge to you they've been heard.

Realizing your partner feels heard, and recognizing that you heard them, will build mutual trust and respect in your relationship.

5 Communication Exercises for Couples: Daily Check-In

One of the communication exercises for couples is something called a Daily Check-In.

When you're in a relationship, it's easy to fall into a routine.

Many days can seem mundane and repetitive.

Ever ask someone- How's it going?

And they reply- Same old thing…

Relationships often suffer from getting stale, repetitive or dull.

Communication exercises for couples can spice things up.

Try another of the best communication exercises for couples called the Daily Check-In.

When your partner asks you- How was your day?

Instead of shrugging and saying "Same old thing…"

Take a moment and describe one event that happened.

It may be seemingly unimportant or boring, but describe it in detail anyway.

Have your partner do the same.

You may discover that this is one of the communication exercises for couples that can really get you talking.

You may end up sharing something interesting or thought-provoking you didn't intend.

You may find your partner asking questions and getting you thinking about the event in a different way.

Give the Daily Check-In a try.

5 Communication Exercises for Couples: Words of Gratitude

One of the communication exercises for couples is Words of Gratitude.

Sometimes it's easy to feel unappreciated in a relationship.

You may feel like your partner doesn't recognize all that you do.

You may feel that your partner neglects to thank you or praise you for what you do.

Words of gratitude and encouragement are vital to any healthy relationship.

In fact, Words of Gratitude is another of the best communication exercises for couples.

Remember- Communication exercises for couples should be uplifting and encouraging.

Take some quiet time to sit down and face each other.

Make eye contact.

Begin a sentence with, "I appreciate you because…" or "I've noticed that you do…and I'm thankful for it".

Be specific, and be genuine.

Words of Gratitude shouldn't include jokes or sarcasm; in fact, humor can have the opposite effect.

Be creative. Think of little things to thank your partner for.

This is one of the communication exercises for couples that don't take long, but the payoff can be huge!

5 Communication Exercises for Couples: Timed Listening 

One of the communication exercises for couples is something called Timed Listening.

Sometimes you want to share something with your partner but you don't know when or how to say it.

Making time in a busy schedule for communication exercises for couples can be a challenge.

How do you find or make the time to share what's on your heart or mind?

Timed Listening is one of the most effective communication exercises for couples with busy schedules.

Find a comfortable, quiet place where you can face each other.

Make eye contact, hold hands, and even begin with a hug or kiss.

Even though it may seem cheesy, use a timer.

Give your partner five minutes to speak and share whatever they want.

Do not interrupt them, let them speak.

Your partner may share something intimate and serious, or something that's just been on their mind.

Don't feel like you have to directly respond when your partner is done.

Sometimes it's just about having five minutes to speak, share and feel unburdened.

Communication exercises for couples can sometimes just be a way for partners to get something off their chest.

5 Communication Exercises for Couples: Stressor Listening

One of the communication exercises for couples is something called Stressor Listening.

We all get stressed from time to time.

But when we don't deal with stress in a healthy way, it can build up and sour our relationships.

A stressor is something that causes you stress.

A stressor could be a word, song, person, task, chore, memory, or activity.

We all have stressors, and they are as unique and individual as we are.

Communication exercises for couples can serve to relieve stress and provide peace of mind.

Stressor Listening is when you and your partner take turns telling each other about your stressors.

You may tell your partner that sweeping and mopping stresses you out.

You may tell your partner about a particular coworker that stresses you out.

The idea is to listen and acknowledge that each other gets stressed and to understand what stresses them.

You may offer to do the sweeping and mopping for your partner, in exchange for them taking one of your stressors.

Stressor Listening is one of the communication exercises for couples that create empathy between partners.

And empathy promotes love, understanding, and togetherness.

Conclusion

Communication exercises for couples can provide ways to build mutual trust and respect.

Stress relief and sharing of burdens are other ways communication exercises for couples can promote mental and emotional health.

Professional counseling can provide other communication exercises for couples.

A licensed professional counselor can mediate between couples, guiding them through valuable communication exercises.

Good communication is an investment in a happy, healthy future for couples.

Resources 

https://www.amazon.com/Relationship-Communication-Couples-Conversations-Discussions/dp/B07SSQW6X4/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3FWGD965QCREG&keywords=communication+exercises+for+couples&qid=1662492807&s=audible&sprefix=communication+exercises+for+couples%2Caudible%2C91&sr=1-4