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.
Marital Communication
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?
My wife’s painful honesty hurts my feelings. She must not know the strategy known as “the white lie.” A time comes when each spouse is tempted to tell one. Is a white lie too much to ask for?
If your approach to conflict resolution is going nowhere, you may need a heart change. Resolving conflict positively isn’t as easy as simply deciding to speak gently and humbly. Try these five ideas.
When my husband’s parenting doesn’t fit my expectations, I could nag or ridicule him, but I found a better way that doesn’t lead to negativity in our marriage. I focus on the things he does right.
For so many couples, Christmas and the gift-giving experience can move from feelings of anticipation to disappointment. The Palmers share ways to turn frustrating exchanges into opportunities.
