Relationship Communication

by Jennifer Kelton

Communication

Main Entry: com·mu·ni·ca·tion
Pronunciation: k&-"myü-n&-'kA-sh&n
Function: noun
1 : an act or instance of transmitting
2 a : information communicated b : a verbal or written message
3 a : a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior <the function of pheromones in insect communication>; also : exchange of information b : personal rapport <a lack of communication between old and young persons>
4 plural a : a system (as of telephones) for communicating b : a system of routes for moving troops, supplies, and vehicles c : personnel engaged in communicating
5 plural but singular or plural in construction a : a technique for expressing ideas effectively (as in speech) b : the technology of the transmission of information (as by print or telecommunication)
- com·mu·ni·ca·tion·al /-shn&l, -sh&-n&l/ adjective

- http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?va=communication

When you stop to take a look at relationship communication it becomes obvious that it’s one of the most important things in life to have. Some kind of relationship communication is always happening whether we are aware of it or not. It’s subtle and obvious simultaneously. It happens between a parent and a child, a boss and an employee, stranger to stranger, friend to friend and lover to lover etc. It shows up in many shapes and forms – way too many to list here as it really is endless.

And, as described by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary above, it’s a critical key to movement: physically, energetically and spiritually. Without relationship communication, things would move at a much slower pace, or progress may not happen at all. Such as: ideas, inventions, business, and relationships on every level of life. I’m not going to limit the phrase “relationship communication” to just the persons you are close with in your everyday life because it’s so much more. Relationship communication can potentially change your life in any direction – good, bad or maybe just someplace in-between. It could be a simple moment, eye contact with a person you have never met, to a fully-engaged, robust business deal or opportunity, a one night stand or perhaps even meeting your potential husband or wife.

Relationship communication even becomes more complex with age and experience. Think about it: a newborn or baby’s relationship communication is limited to his or her verbal skills, and body language. We could take the concept of relationship communication even further. Just think of fetal development while the baby is still in the mother’s body and all the extraordinary and miraculous non verbal relationship communication that goes on between mother and child.

A few days ago, I asked a friend of mine what he thought of relationship communication. He said, “Relationship communication is overrated and undervalued.”

While this statement is somewhat ambiguous, I agree with him.

There are a few ways I have thought to end my thoughts on relationship communication, and what felt appropriate to me was to not only limit my personal thinking on this topic but also to not limit yours. So, while this is unconventional, I will end this where I started off with a Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition.

Relationship

Main Entry: re·la·tion·ship
Pronunciation: -sh&n-"ship
Function: noun
1 : the state of being related or interrelated <studied the relationship between the variables>
2 : the relation connecting or binding participants in a relationship: as a : KINSHIP b : a specific instance or type of kinship
3 a : a state of affairs existing between those having relations or dealings <had a good relationship with his family> b : a romantic or passionate attachment

- http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/relationship