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Effective communication is regarded by most marriage experts as the key to building and maintaining a healthy and lasting marriage. However, it can be quite difficult to communicate most times when we are a raging sea of conflicting emotions. Yet, we must understand that for a marriage to work, the two parties must recognise themselves as one unit, instead of two bodies. How can this be achieved? Through effective communication, of course.
Understanding the sanctity of the journey that newly-weds set out for and how a lot of things will turn out right through communication, we have compiled a list of nuggets that can help to make this a reality.
Start a Couple’s Journal
Writing can be quite therapeutic, whether or not you are an actual writer. Research shows that negative emotions are often suppressed when a person writes how they feel at a particular moment.
You can start a couple’s journal where you write letters to each other (despite being under the same roof). This is an especially effective tool when you know verbal exchange might aggravate a situation. Things tend to get pretty heated when we disagree with verbally. Writing to each other can take the edge out of the situation and pave a way for a greater understanding between you two.
Be Intentional about Spending Time Together
Once married, you have an archenemy to look out for- routine. If you begin to see spending time with each other as a routine, you might begin to silently resent each other, getting through a task that you see as compulsory, waiting to savour your alone time. Instead, tie some of your mutual interests together to make your time together meaningful.
Avoid mind-reading and opt for verbal cues
Don’t assume what your partner is thinking. It could be anything and your guess could be way off. Instead of playing the mind reader, opt for verbal cues that clear all doubt about your assumptions.
Work on listening skill
It is often said that we have two ears for a simple purpose- to listen twice as much as we speak. Speaking articulately is a great skill, but actually listening to your partner instead of just waiting for an opportunity to butt in and say something is an even greater skill. People love being listened to and applying this in your marriage can prove to be a valuable tool in strengthening the quality of the communication you share.
Even though many glorify the end of a thing, marriage takes a different turn. That is why it is important to start off strong by communicating effectively with each other.