Conventional wisdom (and research) says that good communication can improve relationships, increasing intimacy, trust and support.

The converse is also true: poor communication can weaken bonds, creating mistrust and even contempt!

Here are some examples of negative and even destructive attitudes and communication patterns that can exacerbate conflict in a relationship.

Rather than discussing building frustrations in a calm, respectful manner, some people just don't say anything to their partner until they're ready to explode, and then blurt it out in an angry, hurtful way. This seems to be the less stressful route-avoiding an argument altogether-but usually causes more stress to both parties, as tensions rise, resentments fester, and a much bigger argument eventually results. It's much healthier to address and resolve conflict.

Rather than addressing a partner's complaints with an objective eye and willingness to understand the other person's point of view, defensive people steadfastly deny any wrongdoing and work hard to avoid looking at the possibility that they could be contributing to a problem. Denying responsibility may seem to alleviate stress in the short run, but creates long-term problems when partners don't feel listened to and unresolved conflicts and continue to grow..

When something happens that they don't like, some blow it out of proportion by making sweeping generalizations. Avoid starting sentences with, "You always..." and "You never...", as in, "You always come home late!" or "You never do what I want to do!" Stop and think about whether or not this is really true. Also, don't bring up past conflicts to throw the discussion off-topic and stir up more negativity. This stands in the way of true conflict resolution, and increases the level of conflict..

It's damaging to decide that there's a 'right' way to look at things and a 'wrong' way to look at things, and that your way of seeing things is right. Don't demand that your partner see things the same way, and don't take it as a personal attack if they have a different opinion. Look for a compromise or agreeing to disagree, and remember that there's not always a 'right' or a 'wrong', and that two points of view can both be valid..

Instead of asking about their partner's thoughts and feelings, people sometimes decide that they 'know' what their partners are thinking and feeling based only on faulty interpretations of their actions-and always assume it's negative! (For example, deciding a late mate doesn't care enough to be on time, or that a tired partner is denying sex out of passive-aggressiveness.) This creates hostility and misunderstandings..