When you say, “Just relax,” the person you’re talking to hears something quite different: “I’m not taking you seriously.” So they raise the intensity level a notch or two to make sure you do.
Marital Communication
Invigorate your spiritual connection by reading the Bible together. By applying biblical principles as a couple, you’ll reach into an untapped power source.
Psychologist Dr. David Clarke offers couples practical advice for breaking down common communication barriers in a discussion based on his book Men are Clams, Women are Crowbars: The Do’s and Don’t’s of Getting Your Man to Open Up. (Part 2 of 2)
Psychologist Dr. David Clarke offers couples practical advice for breaking down common communication barriers in a discussion based on his book Men are Clams, Women are Crowbars: The Do’s and Don’t’s of Getting Your Man to Open Up. (Part 1 of 2)
Active listening is important when you’re talking to your spouse. Here’s how to focus on your spouse’s feelings and deepen your relationship.
Persuading someone to accept feedback isn’t just about phrasing things the right way. You’re showing your spouse what he or she doesn’t already know. Both of you will grow through this trust-building process.
Most people struggle to manage their stresses in marriage effectively. And unmanaged stress in one spouse usually escalates stress in the other. But reactions can be complex.
Feedback can reveal flaws that we don’t see in ourselves. It can be painful, but it’s essential. If we respond with defensiveness, we shut down a valuable tool for building an honest, thriving relationship.
Perpetual disagreements don’t have to derail your marriage. Most unsolvable problems won’t harm your relationship if you have an adequate set of communication skills and follow a few basic principles.
Independent thinking doesn’t automatically shut off after the wedding. So when your spouse doesn’t agree with your great idea, how should you negotiate a solution?
