I've noticed in my writing that when I talk about relationships with other people, I emphasize the importance of keeping open lines of communication in those relationships. I constantly refer to communication as "key" because of how important it is. It helps with planning, problem solving, and gaining an overall better understanding of the other people in the relationship. Yes, that does mean that relationships are not only a one-on-one thing. Relationships are often discussed as between two people, but any number of people can be in any given relationship dynamic at any time. Heck, whenever people discuss their issues and how they feel about themselves, they often refer to it as their relationship with themselves! And you know what? Communication helps those relationships too.

A common issue that I see among not only my friends and peers, but even among strangers, is that their various relationships have problems because of a lack of communication among the people involved. Sometimes it isn't even a lack of communication. Miscommunication can be even more fatal to relationships than a lack of communication because the wrong idea or concept can be understood by one party when the original idea or concept was the opposite of the one that was executed. That's why clear communication among the people in the relationship is necessary: to avoid problems that may ensue as a result of mistakes.

However, not all problems and issues can be reconciled with communication. Sometimes the differences among the people in a relationship can be irreconcilable, no matter how good the communication may be. Sometimes someone might be unwilling to communicate, and since they cannot be forced to do so, the relationship falls apart. There are even times where communication occurs, but if it is negative and/or hateful in nature, there's very little chance of recovery. Too much damage can be done to relationships by negative and/or hateful communication, and the worst part is that some people will put up with it for a time for whatever reason they may have for doing so.

Clear, positive communication is essential for building, maintaining, and keeping relationships with others. Relationships with poor communication or frequent miscommunication do not last long, and relationships where communication is based in hate simply are not healthy. All communication must be mutual, since a person cannot be forced to communicate if they do not want to. Being open with your thoughts and feelings on different matters can make a world of difference in relationships. All you have to do is keep those lines of communication open and available.