When people have empathy, they are expressing the ability to understand how another person feels. Using this communication technique in a relationship can foster trust between people and make them feel closer to each other. Ways that people express empathy include not criticizing or judging what another person says or does and checking with another person to ensure that they accurately understand that person's feelings.
When people are expressive in their relationships, they show another person that they are completely committed and involved in the relationship. This communication technique can be accomplished by giving feedback to another person when they are speaking, being sensitive to other people's cultural differences and using nonverbal communication to show interest in another person.
When people are flexible in their communication, they adjust the way they communicate with others based on a particular situation. People can use this communication technique in their relationships three ways: by acknowledging that no two people are going to communicate the same way, responding to a message by taking the context of a communication into account and realizing that different situations require different types of communication.
Metacommunication refers to the act of communicating about communication. In interpersonal relationships, this technique gives people the opportunity to discuss what is going on in their relationships and find ways to improve the relationship. This communication technique is accomplished when people express their feelings in an honest manner and talk about the way they communicate in a relationship.
When people express themselves in a positive way, other people feel better around them than they do around people who are always negative. Ways that people can use this communication technique in their relationships include complimenting other people and using nonverbal communication, such as smiling and making eye contact, to make other people feel comfortable around them.