Effective communication patterns are a cornerstone of any successful relationship. In fact, it is highly likely that roadblocks in communication between you and your ex-spouse are a large factor in why they are your ex.
It is unlikely that divorce alone will make these communication problems automatically disappear. In the event that you are in a co-parenting relationship with your ex-spouse, communicating effectively is key to making the situation work as well as possible. According to Today’s Parent, effective communication involves distanced conversation and potentially the help of experts.
The benefit of distance
In the event that you and your ex-spouse have an extremely acrimonious relationship, you may do best to limit your communications to written format only. In fact, you may wish to take it a step further and limit it to email alone.
Oftentimes, treating your relationship with your ex-spouse the same way you would a professional co-worker can help. This means not contacting your ex-spouse through text or social media. The more professional veneer of email can help keep things less personal. Additionally, if your ex-spouse does say something that upsets you, the distance email provides will give you the time to cool off before responding.
Involving professionals
If your relationship with your ex-spouse has degraded to the point where even written conversation cannot contain the acrimony, involving a professional may help. Even though you and your ex-spouse divorced, committing to work with a coach or therapist can help both of you ensure that you deliver your messages in the manner that you intended. Therapy can also help you personally manage any difficult areas in the relationship between you and your ex that no amount of careful communication can curtail.