Serving Up Great Communication in Love

With tennis on my mind, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels between great relationships and well-played matches. A strong, intentional serve can set the tone of the game—just like clear, loving communication can set the tone in your relationship.

Want to strengthen your love game, one conversation at a time? Here’s how to serve up communication aces with your partner:

Warm Up to a Great Serve
Every tennis player warms up before they serve. You can do the same in your relationship: start with light, positive conversation before diving into heavier topics. It sets a comfortable rhythm and builds trust before the big plays.

Hit the Sweet Spot
In tennis, the sweet spot is where the magic happens. In communication, it’s about finding a balance, practicing active listening, showing empathy, and maintaining clarity. When you line those up, your words land exactly where they should.

Rally Responsiveness
A good rally keeps the game alive. In love, it’s about going back and forth with presence: acknowledging feelings, validating experiences, and maintaining a strong connection and rhythm.

Ace the Timing
Timing is everything—on the court and in your conversations. Quick “yes, more of that!” feedback works in the moment. However, when it comes to tender topics (such as requests for change in intimate play), slow down. Breathe. Step outside the heat of the match, and choose a calm time to talk it through.

Love—like tennis—isn’t about winning every point. It’s about staying in the game together, one rally at a time.