Self-help books and psychologists agree: communication and comprehension are key to a lasting and affirming relationship. While it is easier said than done, honest and communication brings understanding and empathy to your relationships, especially with your romantic partner.
Gabbi Garcia revealed that communication is the golden rule in her seven-year relationship with Khalil Ramos, a rule they cannot ignore.
Starring in a podcast episode with Dross Initiative, Gabbi admitted to having issues and "malalang away" with her boyfriend Khalil, just like any other couple. Pointing out their differences in personality—Gabbi describes herself as confrontational, while Khalil is apparently an escapist—she noted that it is sometimes hard to deal with these conflicts in communication.
"It’s not easy for everybody to communicate. But it is a must in life. You can’t get away with 'hindi ko kasi kaya makipag-usap eh.' It’s a tough life and you really have to communicate," Gabbi admitted.
"That’s our golden rule, with Khalil and I. We have to communicate everything…Every time we fight, we have to sit down and talk about it," she added.
Gabbi emphasized that being in a long-term relationship is not all butterflies and rainbows. She stated, "We are in a seven-year relationship. And seven years is no joke. You don’t love this person every day. Sometimes you hate this person. It's true. And I'm pretty sure it's the same thing with Khalil. I'm pretty sure he gets annoyed saakin most of the time."
"But wala, we choose to love each other. And we choose to sit down and fix things. Always," the actress reiterated.
Gabbi Garcia Reflects On Honest And Open Communication
Heated emotions can heighten tension in times of conflict. Triggers can push us to act impulsively, such as becoming defensive and failing to listen to our partners. However, Gabbi believes that part of your commitment in a relationship is to choose to fix things and communicate, regardless of what you feel.
"It's always a choice to fix things and to communicate things. To communicate about it. Sometimes, nawawala siya [when the emotions are too high] or when we wanna escape things. Kasi nahahawa ako sa pagiging escapist ni Khalil. Dati naisip ko, "ahh it's so easy pala to escape." But it will hunt you if you escape things, if you don't deal with your problems head-on," Gabbi addressed.
Further explaining the importance of communication, Gabbi said that the reason why this became their golden rule in their relationship goes back to their intention of staying.
"I think it’s the intention of the relationship. Are you in there just for the butterflies and the rainbows? Or are you in there because you want to commit to this person?" Gabbi questioned.
"If you're willing to get exposed, if you're willing to move mountains for this person, then that is commitment. I feel like if you choose this person every day, that is commitment. You can easily just walk out. You can easily give up and cry in the corner and say 'ayoko na.' But at the end of the day, if you choose to be with this person, it means that you are truly committed," she emphasized.
