How to communicate correctly to partners in marriage?

| April 21, 2021 | relations

A healthy marriage improves your well-being, and good communication is an essential component of a healthy and satisfying relationship. For it is through the communication process that you share information, ideas and feelings. The success of your marriage depends a lot on how well you communicate with your spouse. Your communication in marriage is not only verbal, but also includes non-verbal behaviors such as facial expressions and body language.

The success of your marriage depends on how well you and your spouse communicate with each other.

Open and honest communication in marriage encourages spouses to express themselves. These communication patterns help you express your hopes and expectations for each other. In addition, it is through dialogues that you can resolve various family conflicts.

If you read this article on how to improve communication in marriage, you will have a better understanding of what communication is and how you can improve your interaction patterns. Then you can build trust in your marriage and start seeing positive changes.

What is communication?

We use communication as a means of exchanging information, needs, problems and feelings with each other. Communication begins with the sender wanting to convey the message, and only the sender knows his or her intentions, and this must be communicated to the listener.

Communication can be influenced by a variety of factors, including a person’s mood or noise in the environment. Thus, the person receiving the message must decipher what is being said. According to relationship expert John Gottman, this creates an interpersonal gap when the sender’s intentions differ from the recipient’s.

Moreover, such gaps can lead to dissatisfaction in close relationships, such as marriage, and discourage from the very beginning. Therefore, it is important that you try to close these gaps and repair your marriage relationship.

Verbal communication

Verbal communication is essential for intimate relationships, such as marriage, and helps develop intimacy in your relationship. For example, when you and your spouse disclose personal information about yourself. When you reveal yourself, the intimacy of your relationship improves.

Psychologists explain that self-disclosure that is appropriate to the situation can lead to sympathy and satisfaction in intimate relationships. They also point out that this mutual self-disclosure builds trust in the relationship.

Non-verbal communication

Along with your spoken words, there are a number of non-verbal actions that convey messages. Your non-verbal behavior provides information about your mood and what you mean by what you say. For example, if you are upset with your husband or wife, your facial expression is likely to show it.

In addition, your non-verbal behavior towards your spouse manifests itself when you are interested in what he or she is saying and give prompts to continue the conversation. Non-verbal communication has many components such as facial expressions, body movements, and touch. You can tell when your spouse is happy or when he is smiling.

As a couple, you maintain a close relationship and therefore you act differently with each other than if you were acting towards a stranger or one of your acquaintances. Body movement accompanies your verbal communication and helps you convey what you mean. Also, physical contact with your spouse can make a difference, for example, your touch shows closeness and affection.

How to improve your communication in marriage

If you and your spouse find it difficult to say what you mean to each other, it can negatively affect your marriage. Prioritize your relationship and practice communicating effectively with your spouse. It is not that easy, and therefore it will take an effort on the part of both of you.

1) Practice Effective Listening

Effective listening is a key element in healthy communication. Set aside a specific time each day to listen to each other. When you actively listen to each other, it increases understanding and rapport between you. Pay attention when your spouse is speaking and make a conscious effort to hear the full message he or she is sending. For example, turn off your TV or radio while your spouse is talking to you.

2) Use “we” more often than “me”

Instead of saying “I”, which may seem demanding or judgmental to your spouse, try using “we” statements to communicate something. Be sure to communicate your thoughts and feelings clearly and directly. When you do, you will probably get a more positive response from your spouse.

3) Practice empathy

Empathy accurately identifies your spouse’s feelings and experiences. You show empathy when you express an understanding of your partner’s feelings in a particular situation. Try to understand your spouse’s point of view. He or she wants to be heard and understood. When you and your spouse meet these needs, the result is healthier communication patterns, greater intimacy, and higher levels of marital satisfaction.

4) Show respect for your spouse

It is important to talk about the positive qualities of your spouse and always remember the qualities that attract him. Also, be careful when you speak and use tone to convey your message. Use thoughtful words and show him the respect he deserves. It is important that you accept your spouse and do not try to change him.

5) pay attention to your non-verbal behavior

Make sure your facial expressions, body language, and your tone of voice reflect what you are saying. A recent study in America found that people communicate more through tone of voice and body language than through words.

As you develop the meaning of these symbols, you can better understand your spouse and communicate more effectively with him. At the same time, your body language shows your feelings and meanings to your spouse.

6) spend more time together

Spend time together as it is very important. For example, when you find a common hobby and it will give you more time together. Therefore, take an interest in what your spouse is doing and taking advantage of to spend a pleasant time together.

How to Build Positive Communication in Marriage

  • Practice active listening;
  • Focus on your spouse, avoid distraction;
  • Use “we” in messages;
  • Show compassion;
  • Show respect for your spouse;
  • Give empathetic answers;
  • Recognize non-verbal messages;
  • Avoid looking for the culprit;
  • Spend time together.

Positive communication in marriage is an important part of a happy marriage. It improves the intimacy that keeps your marriage going through tough times. Effective communication skills do not come naturally, and as such, you will need to take steps to develop them.

While couples communicate in a different way, there are some important characteristics of healthy communication that include active listening, empathy, and even humor. What matters is that you and your spouse are committed to it and improve your bond as your marriage progresses through different phases.

If you want to share your love together for a lifetime, then the right communication is the key.