Which of the following is a recommended strategy to prevent miscommunication?

• A. Let issues snowball until they explode
• B. Blame your partner for misunderstandings
• C. Deal with problems as they arise - don't let things pile up
• D. Avoid showing appreciation

Answer: (C)

Preventing miscommunication hinges on addressing concerns early and keeping the conversation open. When issues are left to accumulate, small misunderstandings can grow into bigger problems, and messages get filtered through irritation rather than clarity. Dealing with problems as they arise helps preserve a steady, honest dialogue, clarifies expectations, and creates chances to check that both people truly understand each other before assumptions take over. In practice, you pause to describe what you observed, share how it affected you with “I” statements, invite your partner’s perspective, and summarize what you both agree on. This approach invites collaboration and maintains trust, making it easier to resolve misunderstandings before they escalate. The other options tend to foster defensiveness, blame, or withdrawal, which undermines trust and makes clear communication harder.