Ever wondered why words flow more freely when talking to friends than family? You may sometimes feel that conversations with friends seem like a walk in the park, while talking to your family feels more like navigating a maze. Is it normal to feel like this? Yes, it is, and you’re not alone. Let’s take a journey to uncover the reasons behind why we may communicate more openly and comfortably with our friends compared to our family.

Voluntary Bond

Friendships are a unique breed of relationships forged not by blood or obligations but by choice. It’s the same as a personal playlist – you get to choose who’s in it. Unlike family, where you’re automatically on the playlist, friendships are curated. We choose our friends based on shared interests, values, and genuine affection, making it easier to express your inner thoughts more comfortably. This allows for more authentic communication, as we share our thoughts and emotions without the constraints of familial norms.

Trust

Trust acts as the foundation of open communication and turns ordinary conversations into meaningful dialogues. With friends, you build this trust over time, through shared jokes, late-night chats, and knowing each other's secrets. In families, trust is there too, but it might come with a bit of history and expectation baggage. The trust we share with friends becomes the foundation for open communication, creating a space where our thoughts can be voiced without fear of judgement.

Escape from Family Roles

In families, everyone tends to have a role - big brother, little sister, the responsible one, the rebel. Those roles can sometimes feel like invisible walls, restricting how we communicate. With friends, we don’t come with these roles attached. The freedom from familial expectations allows for a more fluid and open exchange of ideas and emotions. In friendships, individuals can step outside the confines of familial roles and interact as equals.

Vulnerability

Open and comfortable communication often requires a bit of vulnerability – showing your true self. With friends, this vulnerability is a choice, a conscious decision to peel back the layers and be accepted. Families might see the real you too, but with friends, it's like saying, "This is me, no filter."

The mystery behind why we communicate differently with friends and family is like cracking a code. However, here are some ways to open up and communicate better with family members.

• Put your thoughts together and start sharing little by little until you open up more.

• Pick a time when your family members are free to talk and the mode of communication that is most comfortable for you. Make sure to choose a time when they’re not busy to avoid interruptions.

• You may hesitate about bringing emotional or important issues to family members. But if you have decided to speak, speak with your heart and don’t be discouraged.

• Not all family members can be saviours for all our problems all the time, and they may not understand your feelings and situations completely. Be prepared for this, and it might take time to communicate openly and comfortably with family members, but try to have patience with them.

By following these steps, you can gradually unlock better communication with your family and build bridges that bring you closer together.