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The following is based
on the excellent research of Brant Burleson. Here is how to get
closer to your mate in a conversation:
1. Start with the intention to benefit
your mate. This is more important than it seems at first. It
is, in fact, the foundation for everything else. Give up on what's
in it for you. Be committed to trying to make this conversation
help her — truly and deeply benefit her. Not just make her
feel good (although that is certainly nice). Not just flattery.
Try to help her become genuinely happier and saner. Have a clear purpose for talking.
2. Be curious about her. Be interested.
Try to find out what makes her tick. Ask lots of open-ended questions.
These are questions that cannot be answered with a yes or a no.
You don't only listen so that you can help. Listening itself
helps.
3. Imagine yourself experiencing what she's
describing. What would it be like for you? How would you feel
if it happened to you? This is empathy (learn more about empathy).
4. Ask questions about her feelings. "I
would have been afraid if that happened to me. Were you? No?
How did you manage not feeling afraid?" Or, "You must
have been shocked." Explore her feelings.
5. Pay special attention to any utterances
of feelings. Don't let them go by unexplored.
6. Never tell her what she should think
or make her feel wrong for anything. Do not invalidate her in
any way.
7. Keep the conversation more about feelings
and less about opinions. Feelings are the core of closeness.
8. Keep the conversation more about personal
experiences and less about "world events." And even
when it strays to subjects of interest, keep the conversation
about her personal feelings about them and why she has those
feelings.
9. When you communicate, try your best
to communicate your feelings rather than your opinions. Reveal
yourself. Reveal your feelings. Reveal your intentions.
10. Be honest. Don't shmooze her. Don't
give insincere flattery or in any way deceive her, even for a
"good reason."
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