How can couples improve communication skills?

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:44:27 +0000

There was a period of time when my husband and I had very different schedules; we barely saw each other. We did a couples weekend together which really stressed communicating in writing first and then verbally. We started corresponding in a notebook. I would write to him and he would leave a response. Sometimes it was just daily stuff like who is going to pick up the dry cleaning, what do you want for supper, don’t forget your parents are coming this weekend. However, we also wrote down how we felt. "I get so angry when you leave the milk sitting out. It spoils quickly in this heat and we really can’t afford to but a new gallon each day. So please, please, remember to put it away. " or " The dinner was delicious, although it would have been better if you had been here to share it with me. I am really looking forward to our time together this weekend."
A few years later we actually took a communication class together, called Adventures in Listening. The biggest thing we got out of that class was how to fight fairly.
When things get stressful, we try to spend some time together like taking a long ride in the car, camping away from kids and phones, a long walk, stay the night in a local motel ( on a vacation we feel obligated to get out and see the sights; when we need to talk we need peace and isolation), spend the afternoon at a private hot springs pool and so forth.
I guess the point is, that we need to keep working at communication. As the years go on, it is easy to take each other for granted. My husband and I have been married for almost 40 years. We took a long drive and dinner for two just last night, Don’t ever stop communicating. Try it often and in different ways.

What can I do to improve my communication skills?

Improve Communication Skills » How can couples improve communication skills?

How can couples improve communication skills?