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First,
foremost and always - Learn to listen. Listen to yourself as well as your
partner. |
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Actions
speak louder than words. Your non-verbal communication says volumes and
could easily be misread. Be aware of your body language. |
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Test all
you assumptions verbally. No matter how "obvious" it is to you and
how 'certain' you are of your partner's views, check it out. Ask and listen
for intent. |
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Recognize
when your communication is creating more of a problem than the problem
itself. |
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Accentuate
the positive. Appreciate one thing about the other daily - say so verbally. |
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Keep your
partner informed of your concerns - about work, home, family. |
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Don't go
to bed angry - talk it out. |
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Monitor a
potentially irritating, angry tone of voice that can turn a discussion into
an argument. |
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Don't
preach or lecture. |
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Use tact
and timing. Pick mutually agreeable times to have important conversations. |
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Forgive -
don't hold a grudge. |
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Bond -
Affection and physical closeness help emotional openness. Hold hands, kiss
in public, call at work just to say you love your partner, hug in elevators;
sex should never be your only avenue to closeness. Try it. |
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Play -
take time to do things you love - together. Give each other a coupon book
with 10 items you know your partner likes to do and fill in the dates to do
them together. |
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Make time
to do all of the above. Time and sharing is life. |
