Couple's Corner
Communication is probably the number one stated problem area among the couples I work with in my practice. Common problem descriptions include, “We don’t communicate very well,” or “we argue too much,” or “we just don’t know how to communicate with each other.”
When couples experience frequent arguments and the heartache of unresolved conflict it is no wonder that they identify “lack of communication” as one of their central issues.
How to ensure that conflicts will strengthen your relationship instead of harm it? Choose one of these per week to work on to strengthen your communication skills.
Rules for friendly fighting
- EMBRACE CONFLICT.
- GO AFTER THE ISSUE, NOT EACH OTHER.
- LISTEN RESPECTFULLY.
- TALK SOFTLY.
- GET CURIOUS, NOT DEFENSIVE.
- ASK FOR SPECIFICS.
- FIND POINTS OF AGREEMENT.
- LOOK FOR OPTIONS.
- MAKE CONCESSIONS.
- NO DEGRADING LANGUAGE.
- NO BLAMING.
- NO USE OF FORCE.
- NO TALK OF SEPERATION.
- STAY IN THE PRESENT.
- TAKE TURNS SPEAKING.
- WHEN NECESSARY, USE TIME-OUTS
What do Couples talk about
- Time Together/Apart
- Money
- Health
- Children
- Family/In-Laws/Friends
- Commitment
- Trust
- Intimacy
