Everyone always says that communication is key – especially for couples. And in this modern age of passive communication, this is certainly true now more than ever. However, many people still struggle to find the right words to convey what they want to say. How can you communicate effectively when you can’t formulate what you want to say?
This is where studies have found that critical thinking can come in handy. In fact, many people have sworn that it has taken their relationships (with their partner, family, children, etc.) to a whole other level. It has helped them to think about what they are feeling and to express this clearly and concisely.
So, what is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is analyzing facts to form opinions and judgments. It is learning to think rationally, clearly, and with precision, allowing you to express your thoughts in an orderly manner. This then allows you to get your point of view across clearly, removing any confusion about your stance.
Studying critical thinking allows you to take the information that you are presented with (this can be facts, opinions, or even a situation), evaluate it accordingly, and then formulate and express your judgment on it.
The whole process moves cleanly from point A to point B via you. It removes most emotions from the process, meaning that any rash or quick decisions and judgments are not accounted for. Instead, what you are left with is a rational and well-defined conclusion.
How can this help in a relationship?
Critical thinking and relationships are more closely connected than you may think. How many times have you been quick to judge someone or a situation? Did you get hot-headed? Angry? Frustrated? These flash emotions are the exact opposite of the critical thinking process.
You may feel a certain way without knowing why. That is exactly where critical thinking and relationships should bond together. They allow you to analyze the situation and only then form your opinion, removing any non-calculated decisions.
Here we will tell you a few ways that applying critical thinking to your relationships can change them for the better.
Misunderstandings and communication
We all know that people are very quick to see red. This can be for a multitude of reasons, either someone has wronged us, possibly wronged us, we have done someone wrong, etc. However, we often become angry before we are even aware of the complete picture.
For example, if you become angry because you notice that your partner has been a little absent lately and that they have been spending a lot more time on their phone and hiding emails from you then you may assume that they are cheating on you. This is certainly not an unreasonable assumption.
However, it is exactly that – an assumption. Of course, their behavior may seem suspicious but in reality, you are projecting negative thoughts onto the situation. Consider for a moment the fact that planning a surprise birthday party for you would require the same actions.
So, how can critical thinking help here? Well, instead of assuming the worst, consider the facts. Only then can you make an appropriate conclusion and take the necessary steps.
Communicate with your partner how you are feeling and explain rationally and calmly your concerns. Leave the emotion out of the situation. You may find out that the only problem was created in your mind.
Communication at work
Another great example of how critical thinking helps with relationships is at work. Critical thinking allows you to make your point of view in a convincing and effective way. This means that when you are talking to people in senior positions you will come across as a much more professional and rational person.
This can come in handy for a multitude of reasons. If you are looking to present a pitch in front of your boss and other senior people within the company then being able to talk clearly, concisely and with purpose is a very good skill in your arsenal.
It will allow them to fully understand and evaluate your ideas, rather than get lost spending time trying to decipher what you are saying.
Similarly, if you are looking for a raise or promotion at work then critical thinking helps you put together your case. You can take facts and turn them into persuasive arguments.
Anger and communication
Even with your relationships with your friend’s critical thinking can help. This is because thinking fully and completely about the facts helps you to remain level-headed. This means that arguments will (hopefully) no longer escalate out of control. Often when this happens people say things that they do not really mean and feelings are easily hurt.
So, critical thinking can also help you to become a better friend. You can deescalate the situation easily and explain your point of view without causing any offense or irritating the situation.
Summary
By rationally understanding your emotions you can learn to control them. However, this does not mean that they are invalid. Instead, they are simply rationalized. Critical thinking allows you to take a step back from the heat of the moment and evaluate why you are feeling how you are feeling. Do you have a valid reason for this feeling? Is it based on facts?
By learning to understand why you can concentrate on achieving a better conclusion. You can think more clearly which means that you can come across in a better manner. You can appear more personable, reliable, and even more likable and professional.
Critical thinking does not just apply to one sphere of your life in terms of relationships, but to all of them. Whether you are worried about relationships with your friends, your boss or even your spouse then learning how to think via critical thinking can help improve your communication skills. This in turn helps to improve your relationships for the better.
