Types of Communication Barriers in Relationships
Although many find what makes a relationship work or dissolve a mystery, many know that communication is a major factor determining a relationship’s viability. Indeed, successful communication often boosts a relationship; conversely, communication barriers can cause it to fail. Communication barriers hinder communication and result in misunderstandings and even outright conflict.
There are many reasons for problems in communication. One of the broader reasons for the development of communication barriers between parties is discrepancies in upbringing and background. Differences in the parties’ station in life also affect communication. These factors include things like age, ethical or moral viewpoints, social status, ethnicity or cultural heritage, and beliefs or value systems.
Sometimes people have developed less-than-ideal communication skills from parents who lacked good communication. Individual characteristics of the involved parties may also come into play because of the variability in communication styles. For instance, some may read and give more nonverbal communication signals while others only pay attention to spoken communication.
In addition, problems or perceived problems within the relationship may lead to frustrations in smooth communication. If one person feels fearful or shy, or on the other end of the spectrum, stubborn, angry, or indifferent, these unseen feelings could be expressed in ways that affect communication.
Social problems like bona fide personality issues can also contribute to communication difficulty. Less drastically, a simple lack of interpersonal skills can also constitute a persistent communication barrier.
Because communication is such an integral and pivotal factor in so many different types of relationships, and because communication is involved in some way in all of our human relationships, it’s important to know and acknowledge the ways in which communication barriers are produced. This is the first step in re-creating positive communication skills, which will lead to a successive string of positive interactions and ultimately to the breakdown of communication barriers and the much-needed mutual understanding we all desire.