Be HonestHonesty involves being open and sincere in your communication. This means being willing to tell the truth and be honest about your feelings and opinions. Mutual understanding is impossible without honesty, as it is built on trust. Learn to listen carefully Active listening is the art of immersing yourself in a conversation with your interlocutor. And it includes the ability to ask open-ended questions, maintain eye contact, listen and not interrupt. Put yourself in your partner's shoes. Try to feel the situation from the other person's point of view. This is called empathy. Think about how you would feel in a given situation and what your reactions might be. Respect the Opposing Point of View Respecting another person's point of view does not mean agreeing with it, but it does mean recognizing everyone's right to their own opinion. You may not agree with someone, but you can always find common ground and build a dialogue. Try to receive joint emotions Emotions are a powerful tool for strengthening mutual understanding. If you are able to experience similar emotions with your interlocutor, this strengthens the emotional connection between you. Learn to compromiseCompromise is finding a middle way between different points of view. Willingness to compromise means that you are willing to consider other people's interests and seek solutions that satisfy everyone. Be tolerant and patient Understanding is not always achieved instantly. Sometimes it takes time and patience. Try to take your time and let the relationship develop naturally. Learn interpersonal skills: There are many books, courses and trainings on improving your communication skills. Learning these skills can greatly improve your ability to communicate. Avoid Bias Bias and stereotypes can interfere with mutual understanding. Try to see each person as a unique individual and not judge them based on general assumptions. Ask Questions and Clarify If something is unclear or in doubt, feel free to ask questions and clarify information to avoid misunderstandings and reduce the likelihood of conflict. Understanding and using these principles will help you develop deeper and healthier relationships with the people around you. Sincerely, Your psychotherapist, coach, interpersonal relationship specialist, Natalya Akhmedova