Couples & Communication: what’s your style?

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Communication can make or break a relationship.  What's your communication style?  How we approach tough subjects and the way we communicate can help determine the outcome.  

Here's a list of communication styles.  Which one are you?

#1 - Assertive communicators are socially aware, empathetic and direct

#2. Aggressive communicators often bully or intimidate, and can be emotionally explosive.  

#3. Passive communicators tend to avoid confrontation, and apologize for their ideas and opinions, trying to keep the peace.

#4. Passive-aggressive communicators act indirectly, complain, and can be 2-faced.

#5. Manipulative communicators try to control others, and seek sympathy.  They can also be calculated or scheming.

If one of those unhealthy communication styles resonated with you, you may want to make some changes.  

"It's not too late to change.  We'd have to work with you to correct that and re wire yourself mentally to know you don't have to function out of that.  there are so many tools at our disposal these days.  you can re-wire yourself to leave anxiousness and fear in the background   Not that it's going to be eliminated completely -  but you can use it as motivation to move forward. Our goal is to become owls   we are on the same team and our problems are both of ours," says couples therapist Brenda Luna.

Experts advise focusing on empathy, authenticity and transparency, and those around you may pick up on that and change their tone.

Talking with a professional can also be helpful for couples to help identify areas they'd like to improve on.