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Communication in Marriage
1. Never Take Your Spouse for Granted
Don’t suppose you
already know how he or she feels or that he or she knows how you
feel. Express your feelings; verbalize what’s on your heart.
2. Understand Your Partner’s Perspective
A threat to
communication is to believe you know what the other person is thinking.
Give them a chance. When you understand the other person’s
viewpoint, it may surprise you how much sense it makes.
3. Feel You Have a Right to Express Your Feelings
If you disagree with
your spouse, say so in humility. Help your partner to understand
why you feel the way you do and try to understand your
partner’s feelings.
4. Think Before Speaking
We all have sensitive
areas. When in conflict, do not attack your mate’s tender spots.
Harsh words cannot be recalled; the hurt has already been done. Stop
and think before you say something you may forever regret
5. Talk Things Over
Most of us nowadays do
not take the time to understand one another. Life is complicated;
everybody is busy and in a hurry. Take some time to be alone. Share some
common tasks together. A weekend away from home (as time and
money allow) may be the best investment you’ll ever make.
6. Always be Interested in Your Partner
Involve yourself as much
as possible in their life. Try to understand where they are coming
from, how they feel, what their needs are and why they feel the way
they do.
7. Forget Using Pressure Tactics to Get Your Own Way
We reveal our immaturity
and selfishness by our silence, sarcasm and other tactics. This
makes our partner defensive and will divide instead of unify.
8. Make Major Decisions Only After Talking Them Over
Discuss with your spouse
every major decision. Don’t leave them out, hide things from them or
surprise them too late. Include your children a well when the decision
will affect them.
9. Allow the Lord &Your Faith to be Sources of Strength
Pray together about your
challenges. Seek God’s will and wisdom in time of need. Allow God
to develop the fruit of the Spirit in your marriage. A peaceful
atmosphere prevails when God is included in your union.
10. Be Optimistic
I’ve never seen a storm
that didn’t pass by. Most every problem will have a solution.
Use faith and believe God will enable you to solve every conflict
to the glory of God.
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