The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver. Proverbs 25:11 (CEV)
Every couple runs into a few bumps along the road during their relationship. One of the best things we can do is recognize that conflict is part of life and learn to manage it in a healthy way. Carol Sorgen[i] writes about seven relationship problems and suggests some strategies to deal with them.
- Communication
One of the biggest problems couples face is lack of good, healthy communication. It doesn’t help you when you spend a lot of time
checking your cell phone, watching TV, or flipping through the sports section of the newspaper. What can you do to solve this area of conflict? Here are a few suggestions:
- Make time, an actual appointment, for technology-free time, kid-free time, and block all other distractions.
- Maybe you have developed a pattern of raising your voice. Try going to a public place, like a library or a restaurant where you would learn to control the volume of your conversation.
- Don’t use phrases like “you never,” or “you always,” as they will probably make your spouse defensive.
- Learn to listen to your spouse, specially the feelings they express.
- Use body language and paraphrase what you hear your spouse tell you. This lets your spouse know you are listening to understand.
If you can master the art of good communication you will be able to talk about all other conflict issues in your relationship and manage them in a healthy way.
Father God, help us to be better listeners and to have healthier communication so we can manage conflict in our relationship.
[i] http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/guide/7-relationship-problems-how-solve-them?ecd=wnl_sxr_101613&ctr=wnl-sxr-101613_ld-stry&mb=K2VcbkxhrhREAZ5zC2UpheHnVev1imbCHYS8QQY8uqo%3d
Love for A Lifetime 