14 Day Marriage Challenge Day 2 Communication

Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus. I know you have heard this many times. Just what does this really mean? Well, my interpretation is: Men and women think, communicate, and act differently.

14 Day Marriage Challenge: Day 2-Communication

Why Communication is important

We have all heard that communication is important to a strong healthy marriage but reality is finding what type of communication works best for your marriage. Yes, there must be some form of verbal communication but what about nonverbal communication? Which communication style works best with your spouse? The principle of communicating is to learn, grow, and bond with your spouse.

Ask yourself: “When I communicate with my spouse, are we bonding and learning in the process?”

The purpose of the challenge is to improve the communication between you and your spouse.

How to Improve Communication

6 ways to improve communication:

1. Effective Listening

Pay attention to what your spouse is saying. Give them your undivided attention, this includes shutting down the computer, turning off the TV, and put the cellphone down. Repeat back to them what you heard to make sure you have a clear understanding of what they are saying and what they are needing.

2.  Clear and precise thoughts

Your spouse cannot read your mind nor understand from subtle hints. Say what you mean and mean what you say; however, when you are saying what you mean make sure you are clear and concise.

3.  Stop being NEGATIVE

“If you hadn’t….” Because of you, I…” these statements give off a negative connotation. Don’t start a conversation with heated statements.

4. Speak about “I” instead of “You”

“I” statements is a way to share with your spouse how you feel; whereas, “you” statements point blame. Stop pointing the finger at your spouse when talking. Instead, share “I” statements with them of how you feel when they do something and the reason for why you feel that way

5.  Speak in a normal tone instead of an elevated tone

Now, this one should be self-explanatory. We all know when someone has raised their voice at us, most of the times we “mimic” their tone. When voices are elevated, no one is hearing or listening. So nothing gets accomplished.

6.  Focus on the issue/topic at hand. Do not revert back to something in the past.

Stay on point with the reason for the discussion. Don’t bring infuse current issues/conversations with past issues/conversations. Stay focus and find a solution to what the issue currently issue.

 

Today’s Challenge:

I challenge you to take 10 minutes today and talk to your spouse. Yeah, you thinking I talk to my spouse for more than 10 minutes every day, but with this challenge, I want you to follow the steps given above.  Really focus on what your spouse is saying; participate in the conversation. Learn something about your spouse and really allow this to bond you guys.

How is the communication with your spouse?

If you missed any portion of the 14 Day Marriage Challenge, don’t fret start where you are and add the missed days at the end. Don’t forget to bookmark this site or sign up for FREE daily email reminders.

Please share this post with your social media friends and family. Bless someone else with what we are doing here at Still Dating My Spouse. Thank you for your continued support!

Challenge Topics

Day 1: Fresh Start

Day 3: Flirt with your Spouse

Day 4: Quickies

Day 5: Social Media

Day 6: Its Time for a Change

Day 7: Positive Affirmations

Day 8: Journal

Day 9: Get Physical

Day 10: Sharing is Caring

Day 11: Remove the Bondage

Day 12: Gift Giving

Day 13: Your Spouse BFF

Day 14: Date Your Spouse

I hope you will join us in this challenge.