We recently had a number of roundabouts added near my house. They’re on county roads, so the cars that travel there are quite the mix of suburban minivans and lifted trucks hauling large equipment. Which makes the fun of navigating a roundabout even more eventful.

I’ve come to learn, there are two types of people when it comes to roundabouts. Those who seem to navigate them flawlessly and those that have absolutely no idea what they’re doing.

You see navigating a roundabout is an art. You need to be ready to merge at a moment’s notice. You need to be able to read the vehicle that’s coming towards you. You need the grace of an F1 driver as you enter the turn. No cutting off or hesitating, otherwise you completely throw off the flow of traffic.

And honestly, communicating in love is sort of like navigating a roundabout.  

There’s an art to it. 

You need to be able to merge into the conversation smoothly, not interrupting or cutting off your mate.

You need to read them well enough to know when to offer a suggestion or when you should sit tight, zip your lip, and just listen.  You need some finesse so you don’t bring the conversation to a screeching halt by interrupting or sitting there like a deer in headlights.

And maybe, just like roundabouts, there are two types of people when it comes to communication. Those who navigate with grace and validation and those who take out every guardrail and end up with four flat tires.

But I don’t really believe that’s true.  

Communication is a skill.  
Listening is a skill.  
Learning to respond with validation and support is a skill.  

Which means all can be learned and refined. Don’t let your fear of saying the wrong thing prevent you from trying. True communication takes work and I know the two of you are up for the challenge.

You got this!

-A

P.S. Have you checked out the Communication Masterclass? Now might be the time to repave the foundation of your communication… together. Follow this link to find out more!