Close relationships help us live longerand thats not just a theory; its beenproven in researchtime and time again.
At the core of every longevity-feeding relationship is one thing: Great communication.
Below are five tips he shared on a recent episode ofthe mindbodygreen podcastto get you started.
If the other party doesnt want support but rather advice, they can let you know then and there.
The last step is essential but often forgotten, he says.
It allows the other person to clarify their feelings and intentions so you’re free to respond properly.
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For instance, a call might be better than a text if you want to convey sarcasm.
For more serious discussions, its often best to wait for an in-person meeting rather than calling.
So, before you press send, think about the best way to get your message across.
But these arent just any questionsthey askdeep questionsabout peoples values, beliefs, or experiences.
Instead, ask what made them choose that university or why they picked the major they did.
These kinds of questions steer the conversation to a more meaningful place rather than sticking to one-word answers.
Rather than trying to keep up with frequent but quick conversations, Duhigg suggests opting for quality over quantity.
He also advises acknowledging that the first 10 minutes might be a bit awkwardand that’s okay.
But after you get over those first 10 minutes, it’s going to be magical.
At the end of the day, we all have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to communication.
But the more effort we put in, the more payout well getboth in happiness and longevity.
The takeaway
Communication is the pathway to close relationships and a skill worth practicing.
Start by asking deeper questions, looping for understanding, and identifying what conversation youre having at the moment.
For more tips on becoming a supercommunicator, listen to the full episode onApple Podcastsor watch onYouTube.
