Strong Marriage during tough times.
- Give your spouse your full attention.
- Be Open and respectful of each other's opinions even when you disagree.
- Clarify what you don't understand with words like: "Tell me about " or "How long have you felt this way?"
- Relate your feelings simply and directly when it is your turn to talk.
- Describe how a person's behavior affects you "I feel _____ when ____ happens" rather than judge, blame, or evaluate
- Be aware of how your body, tone of voice, and timing for holding the conservation might be interpreted. Problems arise when verbal and non verbal messages are different.
- Develop an Action Plan together to work on keeping the communication lines open between you and your spouse during times that are tough by agreeing to:
- Express frequently
- Arrange to have quality time together
- Keep your communication open
- See that responibility for family decisions are shared
- Maintain flexibilty
- Make time for demonstrating love and affection for each other.
5/11/2009