Talk about what pleases you, not only what bothers you. Preface negative statements with positive ones that let your spouse know that you haven’t forgotten their good qualities, even when you are upset about something. —- “I know that you have good intentions when you say that you’ll be home early…but it’s a real problem […]
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Your dreams don’t just come true. You have to work toward them. Your high dreams – how do you dream your marriage relationship will be: What will you be doing for your spouse? What will your spouse be doing for you (be realistic)? What will you be doing together? What are you going to do
High dreams. Low dreams Read More »
“Why should I start the change?” Someone has to start. You want the change. So you start. Your spouse will follow shortly (at least, spouses usually do).
Why should you start? Because you want the change. Read More »
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE SILENT DURING THE CONVERSATION. – “All my days I grew up among the sages and did not find anything better for the body than silence.” – Avos 1:17 – “There is a difference between listening and waiting for your turn to speak.” – Simon Sinek – Similarly, “The opposite
When you are silent, are you listening or waiting? Read More »
Being compared negatively to anyone stings. Additionally, these statements are usually said when the listener doesn’t quite stack up to what the other is hoping. That stings too. Double sting. – Don’t say “You so emotional, just like your mom.” “You remind me of X, he’s also so clueless about these things.” “Why can’t you
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Acknowledge your own sensitivities and turn criticism into requests Often you can avoid conflict by prefacing your reactions, comments, and criticism with a statement that acknowledges your own sensitivities. “I know I need more attention than a lot of other people do” rather than “You don’t pay enough attention to me.” – Why this works:
Acknowledge your sensitivities Read More »
The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. – Not every truth must be shared.
Leave some words unspoken Read More »
If something you said didn’t come out as you had hoped, you can ask for a do-over. – “I said that the wrong way, can I have a ‘do over?’“ “That didn’t come out right, let me say that again.”
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Surprise gifts are nice. But buying a surprise can be stressful: will my spouse like it and use it? Make a gift wish list – from all different price points. In this way, your spouse can be assured that whatever gift they buy you will like. You will be surprised that they bought you a
Make gift wish lists for each other Read More »
If something your spouse did or didn’t do has created a problem (it happens), you might ask: “What ideas do you have for … “ (getting this done on time, to fix this for the future, etc.) Of course tone matters. Firstly, this allows them to be less defensive, since you’re not being accusatory or
Ask your spouse for ideas Read More »
