The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

At my bridal shower many years ago, those in attendance were asked to write down one bit of advice for me on an index card for me to have. 

Most of the cards centered around the subject of never going to bed angry or advising us to hang on during the difficult times to get to the better ones.  But one in particular said, “communication is the key!”  It stood out to me because it is true and yet, over the years I’ve learned what a broad statement and concept that really is.  Communication can mean so many things… talking, listening, trusting/ accepting, being supportive, teamwork, and compromising.  And yet, somehow communication breaks down between couples and often what used to be easy is now difficult and the relationship becomes entrenched in bitterness and resentment.  I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be like that.  Even if your marriage is filled with negative habits/ beliefs, it is possible that the marriage can heal, get better, and be fulfilling, fun, and supportive. 

It takes work to have a successful marriage.  Many people think it should come naturally and be organic and that is partly true, but not completely true.  Many things take work to be successful, such as a college degree, having a pretty yard, maintaining a healthy body, and cultivating thriving friendships.  Marriage is no exception.  If this is true, though, what does a satisfying marriage look like and how do we mix the natural with working at it?  Let’s look at some ideas that make up healthy relationships.  Although this is not an exhaustive list, it is a great start.

• Talking- When stating a position on an issue where you might feel misunderstood, “I” statements are a great way to share a position on a particular issue.  An “I” statement is done like this: I feel ____ because _____ when _____ and what I need is ______.  For example: “I feel hurt and frustrated because we argue about the house cleaning schedule when the topic is brought up and what I need is to be heard and understood. For a conflict situation, no matter how small, “I” statements can be effective.

• Listening- The Gottman Institute that studies couples says to “postpone your own agenda.”  To stay in my partner’s world, I might try taking notes on what on what my partner says and ask open ended questions that are designed to open the heart.  Questions like, “tell me the story of that” or “how does this situation affect you?” are helpful tools.  By summarizing what my partner has shared with me and placing special emphasis on feelings/ emotions, it allows me to stay in my partner’s world and for my partner to feel heard and understood.  This is an important step that often gets overlooked or missed and if done in a way where egos are put aside, can immediately bring positive results.

• Trusting/ accepting - It is easy to make our partner the dumping ground for blame.  In the book, Stepping Stones, More Daily Meditations for Men (this applies to women, too!), one excerpt says: “In an intimate relationship, we have the responsibility to be good stewards of the trust given to us. Looking at our partner’s role is always so much easier than looking at our own, but we need to resist that easy temptation. Our first questions should always be: Do I make it safe for my partner to be open with me? Do I witness my partner’s vulnerability as a trust that I do not abuse? Am I gentle and respectful with the key my partner gave me?” 

• Be supportive/ offer empathy and understanding- After summarizing what my partner said, offering statements of empathy and understanding brings the tension down and improves the closeness.  The Gottman Institute recommends something saying this, “It makes sense to me how you saw this and what your perceptions and needs were.  I get it.  I can see how this upset you.”  It does not mean I agree or found a solution, rather that I understand my partner’s point of view.  It’s amazing how powerful this step can be!

• Teamwork- Remember we are in this together and are on each other’s team, not against one another.  This is often a forgotten truth when tensions run high and conflict is not managed in a healthy way.  In other words, I assume the positive about my partner, not negative.

• Compromising- Some would say a compromise is a lose/ lose situation, but I like to say it’s a win/ win.  If we always get our way, it robs us of an opportunity to learn and grow.  If we compromise, we win a little and lose a little.  But knowing we’ve given to our partner can be a rewarding positive feeling.  Give it a try!

By applying and practicing the six tools listed above, it may be a step in the right direction towards a healthier relationship and fulfilling life together.  The tools are the beginning of moving in the right direction and not a one and done situation.  Sometimes it will work and other times maybe not.  Keep at it because undoing bad habits and getting unstuck takes time to undo and redo better.  If you’d like to know more about how to have a marriage with healthy communication and better conflict management, I recommend listening to a podcast called “Small Things Often” by the Gottman Institute.  They share tips and tools for successful relationships and each podcast lasts 5 minutes or less. 

If you’d like to pursue couple’s therapy or ask questions about today’s blog topic on communication, please contact me via email at holly@thebalancedlifellc.com or call (256) 258-7777 ext 102.  Thank you and remember… communication is the key!