RELATIONSHIP TIP OF THE WEEK #004
COMMUNICATION
IS KEY
Communication is vital to the success of every relationship. In her book, "Living
a Blissful Marriage", author Lilian Gafni gives the following advice about
improving communication to improve your relationship:
"Here
are some suggestions that can facilitate communication
with your spouse or other loved ones:
- Let
them finish their sentences.
- Give them time to express their discomfort.
- Cooperate with their requests.
- Respect their views.
- Listen with attentiveness.
- Empathize with their feelings of helplessness.
- Be non-judgmental in your comments or replies.
- Do not be defensive.
- Do not rush to offer a remedy until you have heard the request.
- Above all, do not play the blame game or the 'being blamed' game.
Much
of the time when a partner expresses discomfort, hurt
feelings or pain, it is not done to blame, but rather
to simply express their hurt." (SOURCE: Living
a Blissful Marriage, by Lilian Gafni
- in bookstores everywhere)
