Checking In: A Crucial Step in Healthy Relationships
Relationships are a fundamental aspect of human life, whether they be romantic, platonic, or familial. It is essential to maintain a healthy connection between two individuals, and one way to achieve this is by regularly checking in.
Checking in involves communication between two people with the aim of discussing potential stressors, resolving conflicts, or just having a friendly conversation. By doing this, individuals can prevent conflicts from escalating and can strengthen the bond between them. This article highlights the importance of checking in, its benefits, and how to implement it in personal relationships.
Understanding Checking In
Checking in is a critical communication technique between two people in a relationship. The principle behind it is that the two individuals communicate regularly with the aim of understanding how the other person is feeling, thinking, or doing. It involves acknowledging and expressing emotions in a truthful and generous manner, which encourages the development of a healthy connection.
The Importance of Checking In
Many people assume that their partner or friend can read their minds, but that is not the case. Relying on assumptions or past behaviors is not a healthy way of sustaining a relationship. By checking in, individuals can prevent conflicts from escalating and strengthen their connection. Checking in highlights the necessary receptiveness and vulnerability, acknowledging emotions in a truthful and generous manner, promoting healthy communication.
The Benefits of Checking In
Stress Relief
Checking in with a partner or friend helps relieve stress, especially when discussing things that have been burdening one’s mind. When someone has concerns but does not express them, it can cause stress and anxiety. By checking in with a partner, one can go ahead to freely discuss the issue and in turn, receive support and encouragement which reduces tension and fosters feelings of contentment that come with sharing and receiving support.
Improved Communication
Checking in is a way to improve communication between two individuals by allowing them to share honestly and openly. It promotes active listening, which helps with understanding the other person’s thoughts and emotions. It also helps identify communication problems, improving trust and openness, and ultimately enhancing the health of the relationship.
Resolving Conflicts
Having a check-in practice helps to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently. When issues arise, discussing them early enough, when they are still small, makes it easier to manage them. Avoiding the issue only lets it grow, making it more challenging to resolve. Through checking in, individuals can understand each other’s perspectives and come up with mutually acceptable solutions to prevent more significant conflicts.
Increased Intimacy
Checking in promotes intimacy. By opening up to your partner about your thoughts, feelings, and fears, you create a better connection with them. Trust grows stronger, leading to more profound levels of intimacy, as partners understand each other’s thoughts and feelings more deeply.
How to Implement Checking In
Timing
The ideal frequency of checking in depends on the individuals involved in the relationship. However, it is essential to have a regular schedule for the check-in. It could be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Scheduling the check-in can help avoid situations where one person feels like they are smothering the other and vice versa. A relaxed, unrushed environment is also important. Avoid checking in when one person is busy or distracted. It’s best to plan a time when both individuals can sit comfortably, without any distractions or interruptions, engaging in an open conversation.
Initiating the Check-In
The initiator of a check-in plays a critical role in how the conversation will go. The best way to initiate the check-in is by requesting to speak with your partner or friend and specifically mention that you want to check-in on how they are doing and feeling.
Listen Actively
It’s vital to listen actively to what the other person is saying. Try to understand where they are coming from, even if it is not what you want to hear. Respond with an open mind and heart, without bias or defensiveness. Active listening is the foundation of a healthy relationship since it shows that both individuals respect each other’s thoughts, feelings, and opinions.
Be Honest and Open
Honesty is an essential aspect of checking in. Honesty and trust go hand in hand in a relationship. Be open about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions, while avoiding being belittling or critical. Being open allows for a more positive outcome that leads to feeling heard and understood.
Set Boundaries
It’s important to establish boundaries and limits before initiating a check-in. Each person should feel free to express themselves without fear of being judged or criticized. Setting clear boundaries right from the start sets the tone for an open and honest conversation. Boundaries are an excellent tool in promoting trust and respect.
Conclusion
Incorporating checking in into personal relationships is an excellent way to foster emotional growth, improve communication, and promote trust and respect. Checking in is a crucial part of any healthy relationship, and it’s not something that should get overlooked. It offers numerous benefits, including stress relief, improved communication, resolving conflicts, and increased intimacy. By scheduling a regular check-in, initiating it in the right environment, listening actively, being honest and open, and setting boundaries, a healthy connection can be maintained, and a relationship can thrive.