Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Importance of Communication in Marriage

By Christine Maxwell


In the simplest sense of the word, communication is "the two-way process of reaching mutual understanding, in which the participants don't simply change information but also create and share meaning."

Communication is definitely an important part of a spousal relationship. It's equally important as trust, which should be the building blocks for each marriage.

What can happen when spouses don't communicate with each other well?

As expected, misunderstandings would occur. Since you don't communicate effectively, you also won't understand each other well. This could result in fights. A couple who fights over the simplest things may ultimately turn to divorce.

Why do I have to communicate with my partner?

Marriage is a partnership. Both spouses are equal - no one is better than the other. No one is the boss of the other. It is important we send our message across, and it is equally important to listen for what our partner has got to say in everything - family, finances and etc. Every time a wife and husband isn't able to communicate, there looms the possibility of doubt. This might ultimately lead to not trusting your significant other which is a very bad thing for marriage.

What can a couple do to enhance communication?

The keyword here is "two-way". Communication is actually a two-way process. You can talk, however, you must also listen. The problem with a lot of people, especially when they get over emotional is that they only give attention to what they're feeling and how the problem is affecting them without taking into consideration what their partner is feeling.

Assess yourself and then determine if you've been being attentive to your wife or husband all these times. Recall past talks and you'll find out if you've been listening or if you've been doing all the talking.

After evaluating yourself, you can continue with communicating with your husband or wife or you can change things a little bit and really communicate as opposed to just talk and talk.

Are there methods to develop communication?

Certainly, there are lots of approaches to boost the communication of couples. The main rule would be to stop and listen closely. This can be quite difficult to do, especially when you're in the "moment". This is exactly why you have to force yourself to hear. After you stop talking, forget about all the things that you want to say and focus on what your partner is saying. Be open and honest with your significant other and pay attention to nonverbal signs. Aside from listening to the words coming out of your partner's mouth, pay attention to your partner's gestures as well. Folded arms may mean he's protective, while lack of eye contact may mean he or she's not fascinated with what you have to say.




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