Jason Van Ruler

Dog owners also tend to have lower blood pressure, less loneliness, and lower rates of depression and social isolation.

And here's something really fascinating.

Kids who grow up around dogs appear less likely to develop allergies and asthma later in life.

Scientists believe exposure to the microbes that dogs bring into the home may help train a child's immune system early on.

In other words, your dog may not just be your best friend, it may also be one of the healthiest relationships you ever have.

And that is something you should know.

Think about how many arguments, awkward moments, and misunderstandings happen every day.

Not because people are trying to be difficult, but because they are communicating in completely different ways.

One person wants to talk everything out immediately, while another shuts down and needs space.

Some people communicate with emotion, others with logic.

Some avoid conflict at all costs, while others come on strong and direct.

And when those styles collide, relationships at work, home, and even with close friends can quietly start to unravel.

The interesting thing is most of us assume the way we communicate is the normal way.

It isn't.

In fact, understanding your own communication style and recognizing the style of the person you're talking to may be one of the most powerful relationship skills you can learn.

Here to explain all this is Jason Van Ruler.

He's a psychotherapist and speaker and author of the book, Discovering Your Communication Type, The Five Paths to Deeper Connections and Stronger Relationships.

Hi, Jason.

Welcome to Something You Should Know.

Hey, thank you so much for having me.