Effective Communication Skills in Your Marriage

Effective communication skills are key to marital success with your spouse. What's the best effective communication skill? There isn't just one - the best way to make your marriage better and strengthen your relationship is to learn how to make the most of each of the following effective communication skills. Arguments and disputes are often caused by breakdowns in the communication process. Here is how you can strengthen your relationship with your spouse so that a marriage with arguments and disputes can be resolved through effective communication skills:

Effective Communication Skill #1: Show your spouse respect
Effective communication skills in your marriage begin with keeping an open mind and reserving judgment. Never look for the "right" or "wrong" in what your spouse is saying. Remember that everyone has his or her own feelings which cannot be classified as right or wrong. Never interrupt - not only is it rude but it is selfish. Just listen.

Effective Communication Skill #2: Focus on your spouse
Try to put yourself in your spouse's shoes to get a better understanding and appreciation between the two of you. Listening is the first effective communication skill. Listen without constantly planning on what you are going to say next. Remember, no one can listen and talk at the same time! Let go of your own agenda so that you can be receptive to your spouse's point of view.

Effective Communication Skill #3: Notice what's not being said
Researchers estimate that approximately 55% of what we say is delivered through non-verbal signs. Make sure you are not showing signs like frowning, rolling your eyes, crossing your arms, fidgeting or tapping your feet or fingers. Instead, give your spouse your full attention by making direct eye contact, nodding your head or making appropriate facial expressions. Keeping a calm tone in your voice is also an essential effective communication skill - it can help keep a conversation from becoming an argument.

Effective Communication Skill #5: Think about your response
Take the time to think before you say anything in response. Learning effective communication skills is a marathon, not a sprint. If your reaction feels more emotional than matter-of-fact, then it's always better to get more understanding than to misinterpret what your spouse means.

When responding, let your partner know you heard what they said by restating what was said, such as So you are saying you feel..." Don't be upset if your spouse tells you that you have misunderstood; if this happens, look at it as an opportunity to learn more about your spouse and then you can put your effective communication skills to good use.

Effective Communication Skill #5: Acknowledge Gender Differences
In order to use effective communication skills, it is important to understand that men and women communicate differently. Men often share because they want to give information or solve a problem. Women tend to talk to connect with someone or to get information. Women usually talk more about relationships than men. Men are often more concerned about details than women. It is crucial to keep these differences in mind to reduce long-term frustration and instead build understanding.

By keeping these effective communication skills in mind, you and your spouse will be on the road to a more successful relationship with fewer arguments and hurt feelings. You'll understand what makes each other "tick" and get to know each other on a deeper level through effective communication skills.

Rate Article

Related Videos
Play Video How to Communicate with your Spouse and Have a Great Marriage	Play Video Communicating With Your Significant Other	Play Video Interpersonal Communication Skills Success	Play Video Effective Communication Skills	Play Video Good Communication Skills For Everyone

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Marriage Wedding" article category.

People interested in the above article "Effective Communication Skills in Your Marriage" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

Marriage Infidelity - How to Find Out If Your Spouse is Cheating

According to Infidelity Facts forty one percent admit to physical or emotional infidelity during their marriage. With those numbers it was only a matter of time before certain factions set up shop to make a profit. Websites that encourage people to have an extramarital affair are doing big business and slowly moving into the mainstream of society.

Adorable Wedding Cake Topper Designs

Wedding cake toppers started to be used since late 19th century, and it became popular since 1920th. People choose different cake toppers based on the type of their wedding cakes. They can be used at the ceremony, and also kept as keepsake in the rest of their sweet lives. They contain a lot, such as your special feelings to the special people. These feelings can be delivered to all the guests simply and elegantly.

Super Cheap Wedding Reception - 7 Tips for a Much Cheaper Wedding

If saving money on the reception is your goal, then you need to use these 7 fantastic and super easy cheap wedding reception tips. They won't just save you hundreds on the budget, they'll save you thousands and you won't even have to make that many sacrifices. What more could a couple ask for?

Kannada Wedding Rituals

The weddings in Karnataka are a simple and joyful affair unlike other weddings in India, which are bright and pompous. The people of Karnataka, also known as kannidias, have many communities hence the marriage ritual varies in each of them unlike other communities in India.

8 Questions for Photo Booth Rentals in Michigan

Are you looking to plan a stellar event? Photo booth rentals in Michigan are great at adding spontaneousness to your party. There are many photo booth companies for you to choose from? Do you know the right questions to run by your potential vendor? Listed below are 8 questions you should ask every photobooth company.

7 Tips for Really Cheap Wedding Receptions

Use these 7 super secret money saving tips if you want to save a boat load of cash and create a super cheap wedding reception. Save money on the location, lighting, drinks, food, decorations, invitations, you name it.

What Are the Love Languages?

When it comes to showing affection, you and your partner may have different ways of showing your love. Not understanding how one communicates his/her adoration for the other can cause of stress in any relationship.