Gary Smalley, a Christian psychologist has an excellent video series called "Keys to Loving Relationships." I consider these videos really good tools to help with communication. He, along with others, uses word pictures to describe how you feel. In the Bible, Jesus used word pictures in parables to describe the kingdom of Heaven and faith and He remains the model for me.

A word picture is a way to describe an event or a way to communicate. Dr. Smalley talks about a man imagining holding a pillow when relating to his spouse, as an example, to remind him not to be harsh, but to be gentle with our words. He had a very old violin which he passed around in the audience; to remind people that they are of great value.

My favorite word pictures are of the different types of people. He catagorizes people as Lions, Otters, Golden Retrievers or Beavers.

Lions are natural leaders. Otters have a playful spirit, Golden Retrievers are loyal and Beavers like to do things the right way. Clashes in relationships can occur when different types of people come together, unless we realize that we see the world differently.

Handling conflict is always an issue. Like a storm erupting when a hot muggy mass of air collides with a cooler drier bunch of air and throw in a jet stream and pow. Another word picture.

Communicating is a life long process; at least I think so. Words are tools; and we also communicate nonverbally. Cultural variations also can be confusing; relating to eye contact, respect, listening.

We are probably better trained to communicate than we realize. If we watch television, masses of commercials inform us of products using color, sound, images and repetition. In America, consumers see many car commercials and food commercials and products for everyday use; in addition to medication, drinks, and clothing or department stores. We see commercials on electronics, appliances, housing, and building products.

Being a good listener is important in communication. Being rested and eating nutritious food and being healthy is also important, in my opinion. Taking time to understand is in short supply in a society where time is valued highly.

Reading is a healthy way to learn to communicate. Some use poetry or music as a way to express themselves; others use artistic expression. Colors communicate. I think empathy is helpful, understanding how another feels. Timing is important to communicating. Are you Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? Then better to HALT what could be destructive communication.

In conclusion, I think communication is hard work. Broken relationships hurt. I will share the word picture of a band aid or surgery. Sometimes we are outwardly compliant, but inwardly angry in a relationship. It can be healthy to take a quiet time for prayer and renewal. If a relationship is unhealthy, can it be salvaged? Is it more healthy to break off an unhealthy relationship to heal and start over? How we handle situations when someone is grieving at a loss is also difficult to learn.

I minored in Communication in college, but in writing this article; I realize how little I really know. I do think Hub Pages is a good tool; understanding how others communicate in places around the globe. Cats are good communicators. If a cat is purring, you know they are communicating they are relaxed. Using humor is also a great tool. Some say Ronald Reagan was the 'great communicator' through his use of story and humor. Abraham Lincoln also used stories to get his point across, yet his greatest speech, the Gettysburg Address, was very short and to the point.

Perhaps that is a good place to end this; as I realize if I have data overload, so must a few other people. Enough data for this time.