Do you communicate with your partner as equals?

"Communication on equal terms" in family relationships, especially between a man and a woman, means that both partners consider each other equal in their rights, duties, and opportunities. This includes mutual respect, openness, honesty, and a willingness to listen and understand the other party's point of view.

Anonymous survey:

Provide answers and learn about general statistics in the Netherlands.

When discussing family finances, who makes the decision?

• 1. Always me/my partner.
• 2. We make decisions together.
• 3. We don't pay attention to finances.

Clear criteria for communication on equal terms:

1. Mutual respect: Each partner respects the thoughts, feelings, and decisions of the other.

2. Honesty and openness: Both partners freely express their thoughts and emotions.

3. Mutual support: Partners support each other in difficulties and achievements.

4. Equality in decision-making: Both partners have equal rights in making decisions concerning the family.

How do you decide how to distribute household chores?

• 1. It's automatically determined by traditional roles.
• 2. We discuss and divide chores equally.
• 3. We don't have a clear division.

Examples of communication on equal terms:

1. A husband and wife discuss the family budget together, considering each other's opinions and needs.

2. In case of conflict, both partners listen to each other and seek a compromise.

3. A woman and a man together decide how to divide household chores.

Do you feel comfortable expressing your feelings and thoughts in the family?

• 1. Yes, always.
• 2. Sometimes, but not always.
• 3. No, I feel uncomfortable.

Examples of communication not being on equal terms:

1. The husband decides all financial matters without discussing with the wife.

2. The wife hides her feelings or thoughts for fear of negative reaction from the husband.

3. The husband ignores the suggestions or wishes of the wife, considering them unimportant.

How do you resolve conflict situations in the family?

• 1. Usually one person decides.
• 2. We seek a compromise through discussion.
• 3. We avoid discussing conflicts.

Impact on the health of relationships and family well-being:

Communication on equal terms fosters an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding in the family. It strengthens the emotional bond between partners, reduces the level of conflict, and enhances the satisfaction and happiness of all family members. Such relationships are healthy as they are based on equality, respect, and support.

Do you feel that your professional or personal interests are respected in the family?

• 1. Yes, always.
• 2. Sometimes I feel supported.
• 3. Rarely or never.

Several small tips for developing skills in communication on equal terms:

Learn to express your thoughts and feelings clearly and openly:

• Use "I-statements," for example, "I feel..." instead of "You always...".

• Try to understand your partner's thoughts and feelings, even if they differ from yours.

• All important decisions should be made together, considering the opinions of both partners.

• It's important to respect your partner's personal boundaries and allow them their own time and space.

• Try to put yourself in your partner's shoes, imagining how you would feel in their place.

• Use constructive ways to resolve conflicts, such as seeking compromises and mutual agreement.

When you have problems or difficulties, do you find support in the family?

• 1. Always.
• 2. Sometimes, but not always.
• 3. No, I usually cope with problems on my own.

Interpretation of survey responses:

Answer "No. 1":

This answer often indicates a lack of equal communication and power distribution in family relationships. It may point to the dominance of one partner in important aspects of family life, which can lead to insufficient participation and the absence of a voice for the other partner. It's recommended to check the relationship for signs of domestic violence and obtain a self-help plan.

Answer "No. 2":

This answer reflects balance and equality in relationships. It shows that both partners participate in decision-making and conflict resolution processes. This indicates healthy communication and mutual respect, although problems or differences may occasionally arise.

Answer "No. 3":

Such answers may indicate an avoidance of active communication and problem-solving. This can be a sign of a lack of openness and transparency in relationships or indicate ignoring or avoiding conflicts and problems, which can lead to the accumulation of tension and escalate into domestic violence. It's recommended to take a free practical online course "Self-Esteem and Self-Knowledge" for building healthy relationships in the family.