In challenging conversations, it can be difficult for someone to articulate their thoughts and feelings clearly. Therefore, it’s helpful to give your spouse some leeway to express themselves, even if they may not do so perfectly at first. Additionally, it’s crucial to acknowledge that when we are feeling upset or defensive, we may not be fully receptive to what our partner is saying, leading to misunderstandings.

 To avoid jumping to conclusions and making assumptions, it’s essential to seek clarity and ask for further explanation when needed. By doing so, you can ensure that you fully understand your partner’s point of view and prevent any unnecessary conflicts or miscommunications.
• “Can you clarify what you mean by that?”
• “I want to make sure I understand you correctly. Could you explain that in more detail?”
• “I’m not sure I’m following. Could you please rephrase that?”
• “It seems like we’re not on the same page. Can you help me understand your perspective better?”
• “I may have misunderstood you. Could you please repeat that or explain it differently?”
• “I want to make sure I’m interpreting this correctly. Can you confirm if I’m understanding you correctly?”