As humans, we are created to interpret everything we perceive. As philosophy words it, truth is relative: our intrinsic nature inspires us to interpret everything that happens in our lives. We can't exist without interpretation. We interpret art, literature and even human behaviour! We interpret anything others say and do not say to us. When we communicate with other people, we base our responses on how we perceive and interpret the person's facial expression, kinesics and tone of voice! Different types of non-verbal stimuli help us comprehend the speaker with clarity.

For those who do not know, interpretation permeates relationships. In fact, interpretation is a significant part of the communicative cycles of intimate dyads. Unfortunately, relationships that birth more difficult, negative interpretations run rampant especially when one or both partners engage in the creation of negative, hurtful interpretations.

In most cases, people tend to engage in pessimistic interpretation. These people usually consider other people, even their own partners, potential adversaries that bring great threat. Pessimistic interpretation usually conceives hurtful statements such as she just takes advantage of me, he does not do anything around the house or she has no principles.

In contrast to what many people think, there is a difference between responding and reacting. If a person reacts, reactions may remain based on ill feelings of insecurity and hurt. In such situations, there's a great chance that the person still utilises his defence mechanisms. A reaction is customarily mostly emotional, defensive and not deliberately thought out. In other words, the person's interpretation is abrupt and unconscious.

The importance of responding effectively is quite underestimated. For those who do not appreciate, interpretation can either make or break a romantic partnership. People who understand the importance of interpretation usually appreciate interpretation as an indispensable element of communicative contexts. Individuals who respond effectively know how to formulate well-formulated responses. Additionally, they recognise that clarifications and questions are prerequisites to a sound response. To ensure a long lasting relationship, responsible individuals should take time to interpret their partner's behaviour and discover a healthy way to respond rather than react negatively.