Beware the Enemies of Effective Communication

No matter how much you really want and need to get your point across to your partner, there are a number of methods of communication that are strictly off limits.  Using them will get you nowhere productive.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

These methods include, but are not limited to the following:

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·     Sarcasm

·     Mockery

·     Name-calling

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·     Contempt

When you are sarcastic toward your partner, you create a couple of issues.  First, if you are both upset, s/he may not realize that you’re being sarcastic to begin with.  You may not be discussing the same issue in the end and you may have no idea where the other is coming from.  Second, sarcasm can be a way of belittling your partner during an argument.  True, it may be a slightly more sophisticated method of condescension than used on the average elementary schoolyard, but it’s playing dirty nonetheless.