The Art of Honest Communication: Using Awareness to Transform Bad Habits

Have you ever walked away from a conversation feeling unheard, frustrated, or disconnected? You might have wondered what went wrong—why your message wasn’t received as intended or why you felt like you weren’t being listened to. More often than not, poor communication habits are the root cause of these disconnects.

The good news? Once you recognize these habits, you can start making conscious changes that lead to deeper, more meaningful conversations. Communication is more than just speaking—it’s about how we listen, engage, and show up for others. When we improve our ability to connect, we build stronger relationships based on honesty, safety, trust, vulnerability, and intimacy. Many couples ask us how they maintain the most vibrant connection after they have built a strong intimate connection. Something that has been vital for us personally and for the hundreds of couples that we have supported over the years is a lifelong commitment to self improvement. Not as another task to be done but as a unique opportunity to experience more thriving in your life and relationships.

Let’s explore some common poor communication habits that may be sabotaging your conversations and, more importantly, how to fix them.